One of the biggest news that came on New Year’s Day is Gujarat Titans hinting at a change in captaincy. The Indian Premier League (IPL) team took to social media to post an image of Rashid Khan with the tagline “A New Beginning”. This prompted rumors that Gill might be dropped as the captain of the side from IPL 2025.
But as things stand, there has been no official confirmation of the same. And after IPL 2024, Gujarat Titans shouldn’t be dropping Gill as the captain of the side. GT had a change in captaincy after Hardik Pandya moved to Mumbai Indians before IPL 2024. While Gill was promoted a captain, Rashid Khan was his deputy. Here we take a look as to why Rashid should not be the captain and Gill should remain as the captain of the side.
Leadership Experience and Growth
Shubman Gill is a captain for the future. He has shown great potential in leading the side. Though the team faced a very challenging season, Gill has showcased his leadership skills to the fullest extent.
Furthermore, during IPL 2025 Retention Day, he even took a pay cut for the team. He accepted a lower salary, less than Rashid Khan so that the team could go on to retain their core players.
A clean slate. A new story.
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) January 1, 2025#AavaDe pic.twitter.com/fNt319mJlP
Performance as a Player
Shubman Gill has been a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League. While he faced difficulties last season, back in the 2023 season he was at his best. He notched up 890 runs and has shown great abilities to lead the side. In pressure and tense points of the game, Gill has often proved as a calm head, helping his team to come out of difficult positions.
- CCL Live Score: Karnataka Bulldozers take 1st innings lead vs Chennai Rhinos in CCL semifinal
- England Report Card: Champions Trophy ends with questions over Jos Buttler’s captaincy replacement – ?/10
- Champions Trophy: South Africa top Group B to stroll through semis; end Jos Buttler’s reigns with hammering
- Pakistan’s best bowler in ICC Champions Trophy calls Virat Kohli his ‘childhood hero’
- No refunds for AFG vs AUS clash in Champions Trophy as PCB announces money-back for washed-out games
Team Stability and Future Vision
It is safe to say that having Shubman Gill as the captain means looking at the future. Furthermore, he has been with the team for quite some time and has built on to the stability of the side. Changing captains every then a while can have adverse effects and then ultimately destroy the team bonding and the chemistry of the squad.
In terms of the National Team setup, Gill is a future captain. He already is the designated vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is. And maybe in Test cricket, he is next in line after Jasprit Bumrah to become the all-format captain of the side.
Rashid Khan’s Role
There are no qualms about Rashid Khan as a player. But then his being a captain and leading from the front just might not be his strong suit. The Afghan all-rounder has previously never captained any side in IPL but has been a good vice-captain. And thus as things stand it would be best for Gujarat Titans to maintain the status quo.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Would Pakistan's Saim Ayub & Haris Rauf have been perfect fit for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025?
Top Stories
No refunds for AFG vs AUS clash in Champions Trophy as PCB announces money-back for washed-out games
