Sunil Gavaskar believes Shubman Gill has grown as a captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) following a rocky start in 2024. Prior to last season, the Gujarat Titans (GT) named the Punjab batter captain. While Shubman was an effective batter, he was unable to lead his team to the playoffs. GT finished eighth in the points table, with five victories and seven defeats.
Shubman, on the other hand, has been able to redeem himself in the IPL 2025, leading GT to third place at the end of the league phase with nine victories and five losses. Under his leadership, the former champions will meet the five-time champion Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on Friday, May 30.
Gavaskar emphasised Shubman’s savvy role as second fiddle to Sai Sudharsan in the IPL 2025 bowlers hunt.
“What he’s learnt since last year. Remember, he was captain last year, and they didn’t fare so well. So, I believe what he’s learnt over the last year is evident in the way he’s led the squad with Sai Sudarshan. When Sai Sudarshan is performing well, he is pleased to knock singles and give him more strike,” Gavaskar told the broadcasters.
He regulates his emotions, which is extremely important: Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar emphasised Shubman’s calm demeanour on the pitch and his lack of frustration with his fielders when they lose catches. The former India captain stated that the 25-year-old inspires them to perform better the following time.
“And then, in the field, when you see a catch being dropped or a misfield, he doesn’t become frustrated. He manages his emotions, which is critical in a high-pressure game like this because you don’t want to make the fielder even more apprehensive. He realises he hasn’t done the right thing, and the way he goes and encourages and pats his team on the back, that’s the kind of leader he’s been exhibiting all along,” Gavaskar explained.
Shubman was just selected captain of India’s Test team. He will begin his reign immediately after the IPL final, when India travels to England for a five-match series against Ben Stokes and his team.
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