As the IPL 2025 playoffs race enters its most intense phase, Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Shubman Gill is earning praise not only for his batting prowess but also for his evolving leadership. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, speaking in a recent media interaction, heaped praise on the 24-year-old, predicting a bright future for him as a potential leader of the Indian national team.
Gill currently sits 6th on the Orange Cap list with 465 runs in 11 matches, ahead of fellow skipper Shreyas Iyer, who is 9th with 405 runs for Punjab Kings. Unlike Iyer, a proven captain who led KKR to the title last year and Delhi Capitals to a final in 2020, Gill is still charting his path in leadership. After taking over GT’s captaincy from Hardik Pandya in 2024, Gill has grown into the role, helping GT remain strong contenders with 14 points and four games left in the league stage.
Rashid Khan credited Gill’s rise to his strong equation with GT head coach Ashish Nehra. “It’s quite important that you have that good relation and understanding between the head coach and the captain. Ashish bhai and Shubman bhai have that great understanding,” Rashid noted.
The Afghan spinner also made a bold prediction: “Shubman Gill, this is his second year leading the team, and he has been getting better and better each game. In the future, he will definitely be one of the very good leaders for India. He has those qualities and skills.”
Rashid praised Gill for leading by example on and off the field and lauded the team culture that Nehra and Gill have fostered. “It’s a total team effort—from Ashish bhai’s squad management to Gill’s captaincy. He backs up his words with action, and that sets the tone for the team.”
He further stressed the importance of simplicity in GT’s approach. “We try to keep things simple. Instead of stressing over results, we focus on process, mindset, and preparation.”
Gill’s leadership has already yielded results this season, with GT sitting comfortably among the top four. But the road ahead is far from easy.
GT’s Next Big Test: Mumbai Indians at Wankhede
GT now face a stern test as they take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday night. MI, led by former GT skipper Hardik Pandya, are in red-hot form, having won six straight matches. With both teams tied on 14 points, this clash could shape the final playoff standings.
“In a league like this, you can’t relax,” Rashid said, adding, “You may have seven wins, but nothing is certain until that top-four spot is sealed. Mumbai’s momentum makes our next game massive.”
The match not only carries playoff implications but will also be a face-off between Gill and Pandya—two influential captains with different leadership styles and legacies.
As Gill continues to grow into his role, his performances and decision-making are now being viewed through the lens of future Indian captaincy. And with experienced voices like Rashid Khan backing him, the signs point towards a long and impactful journey ahead for the young GT leader.
