Shubman Gill Poised to Be a Stellar Leader for India, Says Rashid Khan
In a captivating revelation from New Delhi, Rashid Khan, the dynamic T20I captain of Afghanistan, has showered praise on Shubman Gill, forecasting a bright leadership future for him not only with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL but also for the Indian national team. As the IPL 2023 season progresses, Gill’s captaincy has been nothing short of inspirational, guiding GT with finesse and determination.
Under Gill’s stewardship this season, the young captain has led by example, scoring an impressive 465 runs in 10 matches at a staggering average of 51.66, including six half-centuries. Speaking at a recent media interaction, Rashid expressed his admiration, stating, ‘Shubman Gill, in just his second year as captain, is getting better with each game. In the future, he is definitely going to be one of the very good leaders for India, not just for GT. He possesses the qualities and skills necessary for exceptional leadership.’
Rashid emphasized the importance of synergy between a captain and coach, adding, ‘It’s crucial to have a good connection with the head coach. Ashish Nehra and Shubman share a great understanding, making things easier on and off the field.’ This camaraderie has evidently paid off, as GT has clinched seven victories in 10 matches this season, a significant leap from their eighth-place finish last year. Reflecting on the past, Rashid noted, ‘Last year, things didn’t go our way despite our best efforts. But this time, with aligned leadership, we’ve turned the tide.’
Diving deeper into GT’s resurgence, Rashid highlighted the collective efforts behind their success. ‘It’s a complete team effort—from Ashish bhai managing the team to Shubman leading from the front. When your captain sets the tone with performance, it inspires everyone. We keep things simple, focusing on the process over results, and that mindset has been our strength,’ he explained.
On a personal note, Rashid candidly assessed his own performance, admitting to a challenging season with just seven wickets in 10 matches. ‘It’s been tough. If I look at my bowling, like in the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, I didn’t even bowl at 40 percent of my potential. I missed my line and length, and when that happens, any batter can capitalize. My focus for the next game is to hit the right areas consistently to be more effective,’ he shared with a tone of determination.
Looking at the IPL standings, Rashid acknowledged the tight race ahead. ‘This competition doesn’t give you breathing space. With seven wins, we’re close to sealing a top-four spot, but we need at least one more victory. Facing Mumbai Indians, who’ve had a string of wins recently, will be a crucial test for us,’ he concluded, setting the stage for an electrifying clash.
As the IPL 2023 season heats up, Shubman Gill continues to carve his niche as a formidable leader, with endorsements from peers like Rashid Khan adding weight to his burgeoning legacy. With GT eyeing a playoff berth, all eyes will be on how Gill navigates the challenges ahead, potentially shaping his path to leading India on the global stage.