Gujarat Titans named India batter Shubman Gill as captain to lead the
team ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024 after Hardik Pandya returned to
Mumbai Indians on Monday.
“Gill will be leading a team which has an unparalleled combination of
experience and youthful exuberance, which has been the hallmark of the Gujarat
Titans,” a statement from Gujarat Titans read.
Gill has amassed 1373 runs in 33 innings at an average of 47.34, with
three centuries and eight fifties. Last season was monumental for the opener as
he slammed 890 runs in 17 matches at an average of 59.33, with three centuries
and four fifties and was also named Orange Cap winner.
The opener was instrumental in GT’s sensation run since its debut in the
IPL. Last season, he smoked 129 runs in a 60 balls against Mumbai Indians, the
highest by a batter in the IPL playoffs.
“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,” Gill said on the announcement.
After winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) in their debut season in
2022, GT reached the finals in the next season, losing to Chennai Super Kings.
Gill also hammered three centuries in the last IPL. Only Royal
Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli (2016) and Rajasthan Royals batter Jos
Buttler (2022) had more in a single IPL season, scoring four each.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’ Hardik Pandya moved back to his first
franchise, Mumbai Indians, following a trade between the two franchises. The
all-rounder spent two momentous years with GT, spearheading their campaign with
aplomb.
In GT’s debut season in 2022, Hardik ensured a fairytale start, with the
team lifting the coveted trophy, while they finished runners-up in their second
season after a last-ball defeat in a thrilling final earlier this year.
ANI
