Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya decision to leave the Gujarat Titans (GT) and rejoin his former franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 left everyone shocked and stunned. This move prompted the 2022 IPL champions GT to appoint Shubman Gill as their new captain.
Gill's appointment marks the first time he will lead an IPL franchise in his career. The 24-year-old joined the GT in a pre-auction deal ahead of the 2022 IPL auction for Rs. 8 crore, having been released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after spending four seasons with them.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Gill expressed his gratitude for being named GT's captain and emphasised the importance of loyalty in leadership after Pandya's ouster from Gujarat-based franchise.
"We all know captainship comes with a lot of things, and commitment is one of them. Discipline is one of them. Hard work is one of them. Loyalty is one of them," said Gill in a video posted by the franchise on social media.
"And, because, I think I've played under great leaders and I've learned a lot from them, I think those learnings that I have had from their experience playing under them is gonna help me a lot in this IPL," he added.
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The 24-year-old also said that GT have some great leaders in Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, David Miler, and Wriddhiman Saha which will help the team stamp their authrority once again in the upcoming IPL season.
"We have great leaders in our team, be it Kane (Williamson) or be it Rashid (Khan) or be it (Mohammed) Shami, or even David (Miller), or even Wriddhi (Saha). So, I think it's gonna be great. And obviously, there are gonna be a lot of learnings along the way, which would be my experience as a captain. And I see a lot of people making great memories," Gill further added.
Despite his prior experience as vice-captain of the India U-19 team and captain of various India A sides, Gill acknowledged that leading the GT in the IPL would be a new and challenging endeavor. He expressed humility in accepting the responsibility and emphasised the need for time to fully grasp the implications of his captaincy role. Gill's previous leadership experiences, including the Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and India A tours, have undoubtedly provided him with valuable insights into leadership dynamics and team management.
"I think it's gonna take, like, probably till the time we don't play the first match. It's not gonna quite sink in. It's a great feeling.
"I was about seven or eight years old when IPL started happening. Obviously, it's a dream for any kid who wants to be a cricketer and wants to play the IPL to be able to captain a team. Then, to be able to be that kind of binding factor in this team, it feels amazing," Gill concluded.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE…
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