After Pandya's exit, Shubman Gill appointed as Gujarat Titans' captain ahead of IPL 2024

Shubman Gill had joined Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022.

Shubman Gill has been named captain of Gujarat Titans, following the trade of Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians before this year’s IPL auction.

Gill has had an outstanding year, scoring 2118 runs from 45 matches across formats, including seven centuries and ten fifties. His yearly average is a whopping 50.42.

He has played a key role in GT’s success since their debut in IPL. Last season, he hit a 60-ball 129 against Mumbai Indians, which was the highest by a batter in IPL playoffs, surpassing Virender Sehwag’s 122 for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Chennai Super Kings in 2014.

Gill said in the announcement: “I am delighted and proud to assume the Captaincy of Gujarat Titans and thank the franchise for their trust in me to lead such a fine team. We have had two exceptional seasons and I keenly look forward to leading the team with our exciting brand of cricket.”

After being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gill was selected by GT franchise ahead of IPL 2022 big auction. Shubman Gill went on to have a terrific IPL 2022 season, collecting 483 runs in 16 matches and hitting four fifties.

Shubman Gill’s best performance, however, came in IPL 2023, when GT was defending their title. Gill scored 890 runs with 4 fifties and 3 hundreds with a best of 129 at a strike rate of 157.80 in a magnificent effort with the bat.

“Shubman Gill has shown growth in stature and standing over the last two years,” says GT’s Vikram Solanki

The 24-years-old will lead a side filled with experienced campaigners such as Rashid Khan, who was serving as Hardik’s deputy since the franchise’s admission in 2022, David Miller, Mohammed Shami, Matthew Wade and others.

Regarding Gill, Solanki stated that his maturity and competence are visible in his on-field performance, and the team is overjoyed to have a young leader like Shubman at the helm.              

“Shubman Gill has shown growth in stature and standing over the last two years at the highest level of the game. We’ve seen him mature not only as a batter but also as a leader in cricket. His contribution on the field has helped Gujarat Titans emerge as a formidable force, guiding the team through a successful campaign in 2022 and a strong run in 2023. His maturity and skill is evident in his on-field performance and we are extremely excited to embark on a new journey with a young leader like Shubman at the helm,” Vikram Solanki, Director of Cricket, Gujarat Titans, said.

Ahead of IPL auction on December 19, Gujarat Titans have retained Abhinav Sadarangani, B. Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, David Miller, Jayant Yadav, Joshua Little, Kane Williamson, Matthew Wade, Mohammad Shami, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, R. Sai Kishore, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar and Wriddhiman Saha.

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