Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed Gujarat Titans (GT) to qualify for the playoffs in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite captain Hardik Pandya‘s trade to Mumbai Indians. Under the guidance of former India pacer Ashish Nehra, Hardik led GT to the IPL title in their first season in the tournament in 2022. The franchise also reached the final of the tournament last year, losing to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Ahmedabad. Despite Hardik’s departure, Gavaskar feels that Nehra can still inspire GT in the upcoming season with a new captain in Shubman Gill at the helm.
“Over and above, Ashish Nehra will be the one who will be holding the reins. With Ashish Nehra holding the reins and guiding Shubman Gill, I won’t be surprised if the Gujarat Titans once again get into the top four,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
Gavaskar, however, pointed out that Gill might not have the same impact as Hardik as a leader.
“Shubman Gill, young cricketer, it’s difficult to say whether he would be able to have the same impact that Hardik Pandya had. Shubman Gill was in unbelievable form last year himself,” the legendary batter pointed out.
Gill was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2023 with 890 runs in 17 matches, averaging 59.33. He also registered three centuries and four half-centuries in the process. Gavaskar suggested if Gill can replicate his form from last season, his job as captain will get much more easier.
“When a captain is in such good form, he is able to lead also a lot better. With his own place being guaranteed and certain, the rest know that here is a performer and we have got to do what he is asking us to do,” he added.
Gavaskar signed off by saying that Gill’s equation with the young and senior players could define GT’s season.
“Shubman Gill is not quite that extrovert as yet but he is not an introvert either. So how Shubman Gill gels with the other younger players and also some of the senior players is going to be the key,” Gavaskar concluded.
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