By Swapneel Deshpande 19 May 2025, 11:08 IST
Gujarat Titans (GT) coach Ashish Kapoor has praised Shubman Gill’s leadership skills and compared his early promise to that of MS Dhoni. The remarks came after Gill led GT to the IPL 2025 playoffs and strengthened his position as the frontrunner for India’s Test captaincy.
After GT’s 10-wicket win over Delhi Capitals on May 18, Kapoor called Gill a “thinking cricketer.” He said Gill always used his brain well, even during his Under-16 days at the National Cricket Academy.
“I’ve done two camps with him. He always thought more than most boys his age. A captain must think not just for himself but for the whole team,” Kapoor said during the post-match press conference.
Kapoor added that leadership qualities often appear over time. He pointed to Dhoni’s example, saying:
“When Dhoni was made India’s T20I captain in 2007, nobody knew he’d become one of the world’s best. He hadn’t even captained a team before. Similarly, it’s too early to judge Shubman’s Test captaincy.”
Shubman Gill led from the front in GT’s recent match. He scored 93 off 48 balls* and formed a record-breaking 205-run unbeaten stand with Sai Sudharsan (108*). Their partnership helped Gujarat beat Delhi Capitals by 10 wickets.
With 9 wins in 12 matches, GT have secured a playoff spot and climbed to the top of the IPL 2025 points table. They now aim to finish in the top two and reach Qualifier 1.
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, the BCCI is looking for a new red-ball captain. With Jasprit Bumrah struggling with fitness issues, Shubman Gill is the top candidate to lead India in the upcoming Test series against England.
Kapoor did not confirm Gill’s appointment but praised his mindset and maturity.
“He hasn’t even started yet in Tests as captain, so we should observe him more before deciding,” said Kapoor.
At just 25, Gill has already shown signs of being a calm and sharp leader. His performances in IPL 2025, especially under pressure, have impressed fans and selectors alike.
If selected, he will lead India in the five-match Test series in England, starting June 20, 2025.
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