'He has become like a don these days' - R Ashwin on GT skipper Shubman Gill

Published - 25 Mar 2026, 13:06 IST | Updated - 25 Mar 2026, 13:08 IST

Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin has stated his expectations from Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill ahead of the 2026 IPL season.

Appointed captain of the franchise in 2024, Shubman Gill had a brilliant season in 2025, scoring 650 runs at a strike rate of 155.88. He is one of GT’s most reliable batters, and Ashwin expects him to recreate similar numbers in 2026.

"To dismiss him in Ahmedabad, he has become a bit like a don these days, it is quite difficult to get him out. So, I think Shubman Gill has nothing to worry about, and if I was him, I would be telling myself to go out and plunder runs once again. The best way to keep yourself in reckoning is by making volume of runs. He will be the best batter for GT," R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin believes that Gill has the ability to score runs without the need to try hard to accelerate the scoring. He does not need to chase a high strike rate, which could prove detrimental to GT’s season according to the former off-spinner.

"I think knowing Shubman and having seen him close quarters, he loves batting a lot. Scoring runs is a hobby for him. He just scores runs. I have no doubt that Shubman will go about is batting business, just like last year. If Shubman keeps chasing strike rate and does not score runs, then GT will struggle big time. I hope he does not do that. Gill has a lot of skill. He can score runs without chasing a high strike rate. If he plays normal cricket, what shots doesn't he have?" Ashwin added.

Gill was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup squad, despite being named the captain in Tests and ODIs. Ashwin expects Gill to have a successful IPL season, with the hopes of making it back into the T20 team.

"In the top three of Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler, Gill will come into the season really hungry. We will get another season where Gill chases the Orange Cap. It may also happen that he gets the Orange Cap, because he can and will do anything to get back into the T20I team," R Ashwin said.

Gujarat Titans start their season against the Punjab Kings on April 1 at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur.