Consistency, Trust, Fearless: The many elements of Shubman Gill's captaincy

Consistency, Trust, Fearless: The many elements of Shubman Gill's captaincy (BCCI Photo)

Gujarat Titans (GT) returned to the top of the IPL 2025 points table after defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by three wickets in a rain-affected clash at the Wankhede Stadium. Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, GT secured their eighth win in 11 matches, also ending MI’s six-match winning streak. Gill was named Player of the Match for his valuable 43 off 46 balls and three important catches.

In a match where several catches were dropped, Gill stood out by holding on to three and anchoring the innings until he was dismissed by an unplayable delivery from Jasprit Bumrah.

Consistency

Gill has been consistent both as a batter and as a captain throughout this campaign, leading the side from the front. He is currently third in the Orange Cap race with 508 runs in 11 games, averaging 50.80 with a strike rate of 152.55, which includes five half-centuries.

When Hardik Pandya left the franchise before IPL 2024, Gill was named the new captain. That season turned out to be a tough one for GT. The 2022 champions and 2023 runners-up finished eighth, managing just 12 points from 14 games. However, credit must go to the GT management for sticking with Gill. The results this season have shown the faith was well-placed.

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Trust

GT’s performances reflect the hard work done behind the scenes — especially in acquiring players who fit their style and strategy. A few weeks ago, GT pacer Mohammed Siraj praised Gill in an exclusive interview with RevSportz. “Whatever the bowlers ask for, he provides. He gives that freedom to the bowlers,” Siraj said. That support was visible on Tuesday as well. When Rashid Khan’s appeals were turned down, Gill backed his senior spinner by taking DRS calls on three occasions. Although none of the decisions went in their favour, it showed how much trust he places in his bowlers.

Fearless

Throughout the tournament, Gill has impressed with his field placements and smart bowling changes. He frequently talks to his bowlers — whether it's Rashid, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna or Sai Kishore. His belief in Krishna (current Purple Cap holder with 20 wickets) and Kishore (14 wickets) has been key to their success.

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Against MI at Wankhede, GT conceded 56 runs for two wickets in the first six overs. But Gill remained proactive, adjusting field settings constantly. That helped in restricting MI to just 99 runs for six wickets in the next 14 overs. He brought in slip fielders against spinners and even placed a short forward leg for MI captain Hardik Pandya.

Gill has also shown strong character. In a previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he wasn’t pleased with an ‘umpire’s call’ verdict and was seen having heated exchanges with the umpires — fearlessly expressing his views.

With three matches left in the league stage, GT fans will hope for more big moments from Captain Gill and his men. As they push for a second IPL title, Gill’s contribution with both bat and leadership will be the key factor.