Shubman Gill's leadership of the Gujarat Titans (GT) has come under the microscope following a tense defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. A former Indian cricketer has dissected the young captain's decision-making, pinpointing a specific tactical element where he believes significant improvement is needed for Gill to evolve as a skipper.
Strategic Misstep in Crucial Clash Against Rajasthan Royals
The analysis stems from Gujarat Titans' recent match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 28, 2025. Chasing a target of 183, the Royals secured a thrilling last-ball victory, winning by four wickets. The former India player focused on a critical phase of the match, specifically the 17th over of the Rajasthan innings, bowled by veteran pacer Mohit Sharma.
At that juncture, Rajasthan required 40 runs from 24 balls with six wickets in hand. The experienced Mohit conceded 15 runs in that over, including boundaries to Riyan Parag and Rovman Powell, which dramatically shifted the momentum in favour of the chasing side. The expert's critique centred on Gill's choice of bowler for that high-pressure over, questioning the tactical wisdom behind it given the match situation and the batters at the crease.
Former Star Highlights the Need for Proactive, Adaptive Leadership
The ex-cricketer emphasized that elite-level captaincy, especially in the fast-paced T20 format, demands constant proactivity and the ability to adapt strategies on the fly. He suggested that Gill's decision appeared reactive rather than anticipatory. The core of the feedback was that a captain must always be "two steps ahead" of the game, predicting potential scenarios and having contingency plans.
Instead of waiting for a bowler to be targeted and then making a change, the former player advised that successful captains make pre-emptive moves to disrupt the opposition's rhythm. This could involve introducing an unexpected bowling option or changing the field before a partnership becomes dangerous. The observation implies that Gill, for all his batting brilliance, is still learning the nuanced art of tactical warfare from the helm.
Gill's Captaincy Journey and the Path Forward
Shubman Gill took over the Gujarat Titans captaincy ahead of the IPL 2024 season following Hardik Pandya's move back to the Mumbai Indians. His tenure has seen mixed results, with this latest critique highlighting the growing pains associated with leading a high-profile franchise at a young age. The former India star was careful to balance his criticism, acknowledging Gill's immense talent and potential as a leader.
The key takeaway from the analysis is not a condemnation of Gill's abilities, but a roadmap for his growth. The identified area for improvement—anticipatory and flexible tactical thinking—is considered a hallmark of great captains like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Mastering this skill will be crucial for Gill if he aims to not only lead Gujarat Titans to another title but also to strengthen his case for future leadership roles within the Indian national team setup.
The defeat leaves Gujarat Titans in a need to regroup quickly in the IPL 2025 season. For Shubman Gill, every match now presents a dual challenge: to score runs as a premier opener and to refine his strategic acumen as a captain, learning from experienced voices dissecting his every move.
