Ravichandran Ashwin amazed by Shubman Gill’s captaincy, questions others’ ability amid IPL 2026

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin marvelled at GT skipper Shubman Gill's captaincy skills in IPL 2026.

Ashwin specifically lauded Gill's decision-making in GT's four-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore at Ahmedabad on April 30.

Gujarat Titans register a commanding win

Despite RCB getting off to a flyer, they suffered a middle-order collapse that they never recovered from.

Jason Holder took 2 wickets and 3 catches to earn a Player of the Match award. Arshad Khan took 3 wickets, and Rashid Khan took 2 to keep RCB down to 155.

When the chase began, Shubman Gill set GT up to a flyer with a 24-run over from Josh Hazlewood. Jos Buttler too played an efficient cameo as the rest of the GT batters ensured a net run rate-boosting win.

The win gave GT a two-match win streak and bolstered their claim for a playoffs spot.

"How many captains have the confidence?" Ashwin on Shubman Gill

Ashwin referred to Gill's decision to persist with Kagiso Rabada. In his first over, Rabada was hit for five fours by Virat Kohli. Eventually, the over yielded 21 runs.

Gill decided to give the Protea another over, which resulted in Virat Kohli's wicket. Kohli's wicket ultimately started RCB's slide.

"How many captains have this ability? How many captains have the confidence to give their bowler another over after he has conceded five fours in the first over? Maybe he discussed with the keeper and executed the plans. Sometimes, you run behind plans, but the batter is good enough to get over it. He read the game well and continued with Rabada and Siraj for six overs. They got Virat Kohli's wicket there, and the game changed from that moment," Ashwin said.

"It was a masterclass" - Ashwin on Gill's batting aggression

When the chase began, Shubman Gill started off in a very aggressive fashion. He took 24 runs off Josh Hazlewood's first over and ultimately made 43 runs in 18 balls.

Although Gill fell to Bhuvneshwar Kumar later, he had done enough to take GT over the line.

Ashwin hailed this counterattack as a tactical masterclass.

"I know that he did not score big runs, but he showed intent against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has probably been the bowler of the tournament so far. He made room and hit Josh Hazlewood on the off side, then came inside and went leg side. Purely for the tactical brilliance, it was a masterclass. There was a four off an inside edge against Bhuvneshwar, but apart from that, he looked absolutely in pristine touch," Ashwin said.

Shubman Gill in IPL 2026

Right now, Gill is the fifth-highest run-getter of the tournament with 373 runs in 8 matches. He is also GT's highest run-scorer right now.

Gill has made his runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 155. He has also made 3 fifties with a high score of 86.

Also Read: After CSK, Shubman Gill brutally trolls Virat Kohli and RCB with ‘Play Hold Bold’ Instagram post

GT's next match

Gujarat Titans will face Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad next. The match will be held on May 3.

Both sides opened their seasons against each other with last year's runners-up winning that contest. PBKS have had their unbeaten streak snapped in their last match, but GT will be buoyant after their two-match winning streak.