Ahmedabad, March 27: Shubman Gill, captain of the Gujarat Titans, stated that he feels no pressure to prove himself in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. His focus is on leading his team to another title rather than chasing personal achievements.
Gill, who captains the Indian Test and ODI teams, was dropped from the T20 squad to make room for Sanju Samson in the top order. This decision has significantly benefited India, as the national team recently secured its third T20 World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium earlier this month.
In a press conference ahead of IPL 2026, Gill remarked, “Not at all. If you look at the last three or four seasons, I have scored the most runs in the IPL. Therefore, I don’t think I need to prove anything this season. Over the past four years with this team, I believe we have performed exceptionally well. As a batsman, I think I have also delivered strong performances.”
He added, “I don’t need to prove my abilities to anyone. I just need to continue doing what I have been doing for the past four years. As a team, we must keep performing well, which I believe we are doing. If we continue this way, I think we will win that trophy again, sooner or later.”
The right-handed batsman also expressed his views against the ‘Impact Player’ rule, stating it makes the game one-sided. His comments came a day after the IPL captains and managers meeting in Mumbai, where it was announced that the ‘Impact Player’ rule would remain in effect until the 2027 season.
Gill said, “Personally, I don’t think there should be a rule like ‘Impact Player’. I believe cricket is fundamentally a game of 11 players, and adding an extra batsman on the wickets and grounds we play on diminishes the true skill of the game.”
He emphasized the need for specific skills in the sport. “When you know how many batsmen are left and if some get out, you need a unique skill to keep the scoreboard ticking and guide your team to a good score.”
He continued, “I think the game has become a bit one-sided due to that extra player. It has reduced the skill level of the game. For me, chasing 180 or 160 runs on a difficult wicket is far more exciting than chasing 220 runs on a flat wicket. This will remain the case until 2027. This is something we discussed in the captains’ meeting on Wednesday. I understand it makes the game a bit more entertaining, but it depends on them and what the BCCI decides. Personally, I don’t prefer it.”
In conclusion, Gill reiterated that personal goals are never a priority for him, whether he is playing for the Gujarat Titans or India. He stated, “To be honest, I am not someone who focuses much on personal goals. Whatever team I am playing for, whether it’s for my country or Gujarat, I want them to win. That’s where my personal goal begins and ends.”
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment