Shubman Gill told to copy Yashasvi Jaiswal in IPL 2026 as India T20I comeback looks bleak

Former New Zealand seamer Simon Doull backed Shubman Gill to stop holding himself back, as he can play with complete freedom at the top of the innings. He showed Gill the path of Yashasvi Jaiswal and asked him to consider a more aggressive approach.

The Gujarat Titans made a promising start in the IPL with a promising knock from their skipper, Shubman Gill, in the first game against the Gujarat Titans. He missed the next match against the Rajasthan Royals due to a mild injury.

Shubman Gill has a lot to prove in IPL 2026

Shubman Gill has a hell of a lot to prove as he advances to star in the IPL 2026 season for the Gujarat Titans. He made a promising start in the season against the Punjab Kings and batted with a good strike rate.

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However, before being dropped from the Indian team, Shubman Gill's main concern never seemed to be a major dip in strike rate, as he had batted at a firm rate. However, Gill was too inconsistent during this 15-innings phase, where he could amass just 291 runs, at an average of just above 20.

India dropped him ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as they wanted a more aggressive and in-form batting lineup, leaving Gill on the sidelines. However, the spotlight is on him to reaffirm his credentials in this season of the IPL.

He can do what Jaiswal is doing easily this year- Simon Doull

Former NZ cricketer Simon Doull feels that Shubman Gill has the freedom to play his natural game in this IPL without the pressure after getting knocked out of the Indian T20I setup.

He has considered that the GT skipper should adopt a more aggressive approach at the top of the order, like Yashasvi Jaiswal did this season, and has had a similar impact if he finds his rhythm. Jaiswal, too, hasn't curbed his fearless approach despite missing out on a team India spot.

"He's not part of the Indian T20I setup. So he actually has nothing to lose in T20 cricket. He's the guy who should be more aggressive at the top of the order. He should be the one who goes really hard. Shubman should set the tone and be aggressive as the leader. He can do what Jaiswal is doing easily this year. If he can find form and rhythm, that sets them on their merry way," Doull said on Cricbuzz.

Shubman just has to get out of his own way- Simon Doull

Doull reiterated his stance, saying Shubman Gill needs to stop holding back and play with total freedom as he opens the innings for the Gujarat Titans. The powerplay anyway, gives the player an upper hand.

The former NZ pacer further stressed that the Gujarat Titans skipper needs to express himself to the best of his ability and should push for a more aggressive approach to help the team post bigger totals.

"Shubman just has to get out of his own way a little bit and express yourself. That's when they'll get the 200 to 220 scores. He can just be free and play now that he's not part of the Indian T20I setup. If he can do that, it'll set them on their way. I want him to unleash and really enjoy it by attacking," said Doull.

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