New season, newer challenges. Shubman Gill, who has been the face of the Indian team’s batting order over the past year, will now embark on a new challenge: taking on captaincy of Gujarat Titans.
Following the jaw-dropping departure of stalwart skipper Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians, it was Gill who was thrust with the captain’s armband and the responsibility to lead the side to glory yet again.
And in a heartfelt gesture, GT teammate and talisman New Zealand batter Kane Williamson said that he will be happy to help his Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill in any way he can as he considers the Indian a “great thinker”.
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“He (Gill) is a great player and like I said a great cricketing brain, and I would certainly encourage him to walk that path and take his decisions. No doubt what he will look to do the same,” Williamson told PTI in an interview.
After a mammoth season last year, where Gill notched up a staggering 890 runs, one would expect a drop-off of some sort. But, Gill has only aged finely with time, as he went on to cement himself as one of the most consistent and run-hungry batters in world cricket over the past year for India, especially in the ODI format and lately with his proving knocks against England in the Test format as well.
As the newly appointed captain as well, the stakes have never been higher for Gill, and a wary and helpful Williamson stated that he would aid the youngster in his new endeavour ‘in any way’ possible.
“I will be more than happy to help Shubman in any way I can and Shubman knows that,” said Williamson.
GT followed up their inaugural season’s success with yet another dominant run in the IPL last year as well, claiming 10 wins out of a possible 14 and the top spot in the table with some ease.
But, their lack of experience reared its ugly head in the playoffs as they fell short to stalwart champions and bastions of the IPL, the Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier.
However, Williamson said that Gill possesses the calibre to navigate his way through choppy waters and come out successful this season.
“As for the team and myself, I would generally like to share some ideas. It is a long season ahead. It will be quite a journey and we will all be learning through it,” said the veteran, who captained New Zealand to 22 wins in 40 Tests.
With talisman bowler Mohammad Shami being ruled out for the entire IPL season as well, the gauntlet is set for Gill. But, Williamson said such challenges are a routine for any captain.
“Obviously, there has been a few changes in the camp, that’s a challenge for every team as every year you have some adjustments to make, really exciting opportunity for Shubman and we need to focus what’s there in front of us,” he said.
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