Mumbai, Nov 27: After Hardik Pandya returned to the Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT) on Monday named India batter Shubman Gill as captain to guide the team ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. A Gujarat Titans statement said, “Gill will be leading a team which has an unparalleled combination of experience and youthful exuberance, which has been the hallmark of the Gujarat Titans.” Gill has scored 1373 runs at an average of 47.34 over 33 innings, including three hundreds and eight fifties. The opener had an incredible season last year, smashing 890 runs at an average of 59.33 in 17 games, including three hundreds and four fifties, and winning the Orange Cap.Since its IPL debut, GT has had a phenomenal run, thanks in large part to the opener. He hit the highest score by a batter in the IPL playoffs last season, smashing 129 runs in 60 balls against the Mumbai Indians. “I thank the Gujarat Titans for their trust in me to lead such a great team. I am thrilled and proud to take on the captaincy.” Gill made the announcement. “We have had two fantastic seasons, and I am really looking forward to leading the team with our exciting brand of cricket.” GT made it to the finals of the following season after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) in their maiden campaign in 2022; however, they were defeated by Chennai Super Kings (CSK)In the most recent IPL, Gill also hit three centuries. With four each, only hitters Virat Kohli (2016) of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Jos Buttler (2022) of the Rajasthan Royals had more in a single IPL season. In the meantime, Hardik Pandya of the Gujarat Titans returned to his original team, the Mumbai Indians, after the two teams traded. The all-round player led GT’s campaign with skill during his two unforgettable years there. Hardik made sure that GT had a dream start in 2022, as the team won the coveted trophy. However, in their second season, they came in second after losing in a thrilling last-ball final earlier in the year.
