Shubman Gill can only captain small teams? Former legend's huge swipe on Gujarat Titans' captain for IPL 2024

Former cricketer Tom Moody expressed concerns regarding Shubman Gill’s captaincy role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Tom Moody questioned whether Shubman Gill could replicate the leadership impact of all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the Gujarat Titans.

Hardik Pandya captained the Ahmedabad-based franchise in the first two editions of the IPL, leading them to the title victory in their debut season. The GT team fell short in the subsequent season, losing to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final encounter.

However, Hardik Pandya was traded to the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise ahead of last year’s mini auction. The Gujarat Titans have appointed Shubman Gill as captain for the upcoming season, marking his first appearance as captain in the prestigious tournament.

For Shubman Gill It Is The Unknown – Tom Moody

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Tom Moody highlighted Shubman Gill‘s lack of captaincy experience at higher-level cricket. Moody pondered whether Gill could replicate Pandya’s success or carve out his path as a leader in the upcoming season.

“For Shubman Gill, it is the unknown. He may have captained at a lower level, but this is a different story, the IPL. And following a very successful two years for Gujarat Titans, he is stepping up to the plate after Hardik Pandya had such an impact as a leader. Can he follow in those footsteps or can he create his own?” Moody told ESPNcricinfo.

Despite his limited experience, the management appointed Shubman Gill as captain. Before this role, he had led teams at the domestic level, including captaining Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and India A during their tour to New Zealand in 2020.

The 24-year-old was the leading run-scorer in the previous season. He scored 890 runs in 17 matches at an average of almost 60 and a strike rate of 157.80. Gill’s outstanding performance included three centuries and four half-centuries, with the highest score of 129.

Shubman Gill Has Good Head On His Shoulders – Ashish Nehra

The Gujarat Titans’ head coach, Ashish Nehra, has shown unwavering confidence in Shubman Gill’s ability to lead. Nehra cited Gill’s consistent performance and maturity over the years as evidence of his readiness for the captaincy role, despite his young age.

“IPL is a fast game, and it throws challenges for everyone. We have seen how Shubman Gill has been playing for three-four years and how he has shaped up. He is 24-25, but he has a good head on his shoulders. We are there to support him. We believe in him. That’s why we have made him the captain,” said Nehra.

The Titans will face the Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2024 opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 24. However, the team will have to overcome a setback as Mohammed Shami will miss the upcoming season due to ankle surgery.

The Shubman Gill-led side will then face Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants in their next matches, as per the initial schedule announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).