IPL 2024: GT Skipper Shubman Gill Addresses Dismissal, Stands Firm on Decision Despite Rush

Gujarat Titans returned to winning ways as they beat Punjab Kings by three wickets at the Mullanpur Stadium in Mohali to take eight points from as many games in the Indian Premier League 2024 season. Skipper Shubman Gill played an easy innings of 35 runs off 29 balls which made it difficult to bat especially against the spinners. Speaking in the post-match presentation, Gill suggested that the game could have ended quicker to help boost the net run rate which currently stands at -1.055 for GT but was happy with the win.

“Would have liked to finish a bit early, but it’s good to get the two points,” said the GT skipper. Gill was handed the captaincy role for the franchise following a blockbuster all-cash deal where their former skipper Hardik Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians, meaning the opening batsman had to step up. He said, “It is very exciting for me to be able to take on this role. Apart from the over-rate, everything has been good.” Talking about his mindset while batting, he doesn’t seem to burden himself with the added responsibility of being the team’s leader, instead looking to keep it simple and play like he always has, winning the Orange Cap in 2023.

“When I’m out there batting, I just want to play as a batsman, I don’t want to think too much about captaincy,” he added. Gill was also asked about his on-field chatter with PBKS spinner Liam Livingstone. While nothing was over the top, both were clearly on edge as the competition went to a higher level. But Livingstone got the wicket he was looking for, caught by Kagiso Rabada. He concluded by saying, “He was trying to rush me there, but the ball I got out, I would have taken that decision, even if we had less. Gill believes he would not have gone for that shot any other way, indicating that on-field stress did not play a role in his decision-making at the time.