Shubman Gill named Gujarat Titans captain for IPL 2024 after Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians
In a major development, Gujarat Titans (GT) announced on Monday that they have named Indian batter Shubman Gill as the captain to lead the team for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This decision comes after Hardik Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians (MI).
According to a statement from Gujarat Titans, Gill will be leading a team that boasts an unparalleled combination of experience and youthful exuberance, which has been the hallmark of the Gujarat Titans.
Gill has an impressive track record, having scored 1373 runs in 33 innings at an average of 47.34, with three centuries and eight fifties. His standout performance last season saw him smash 890 runs in 17 matches at an average of 59.33, with three centuries and four fifties, and he was also named the Orange Cap winner.
The opener played a crucial role in GT’s sensational run since its IPL debut. Notably, he scored 129 runs off 60 balls against Mumbai Indians, the highest a batter in the IPL playoffs.
Expressing his delight and pride at assuming the captaincy role, Gill stated, “I am delighted and proud to assume the captaincy of Gujarat Titans and thank the franchise for their trust in me to lead such a fine team. We have had two exceptional seasons and I keenly look forward to leading the team with our exciting brand of cricket.”
Gujarat Titans had a remarkable debut season in 2022, winning the Indian Premier League, and they reached the finals in the following season, ultimately losing to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
In addition to his impressive batting performances, Gill hammered three centuries in the last IPL season, putting him in an elite group alongside Virat Kohli (2016) and Jos Buttler (2022), who also scored four centuries in a single IPL season.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has made a move back to his first franchise, Mumbai Indians, following a trade between the two franchises. The all-rounder spent two significant years with GT, playing a pivotal role in their campaign.
In GT’s inaugural season in 2022, Hardik played a crucial role in the team’s victory, as they lifted the coveted IPL trophy. In their second season, they finished as runners-up after a thrilling final earlier this year.