R Ashwin dissects Shubman Gill's debatable captaincy calls in RCB vs GT Qualifier 1

Published - 27 May 2026, 16:26 IST | Updated - 27 May 2026, 16:55 IST

Gujarat Titans (GT) were completely outplayed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday, May 27.

RCB amassed 254/5 in 20 overs after being invited to bat first by GT skipper Shubman Gill. Ravichandran Ashwin opined that Gill missed a trick by not bringing Rashid Khan into the attack right after the end of the power play.

"Rashid Khan has not had a very good season. The entire IPL 2026 hasn't been one of the greatest seasons for spinners, but for Rashid Khan, it has probably been one of the better seasons than some of the other spinners. I personally think Shubman missed a trick by not bringing in Rashid for the seventh over," Ashwin said in his recent YouTube video.

While Ashwin mentioned that not bringing Rashid into the attack was the wrong move from Gill, he said that the 26-year-old has been one of the best captains this season. The former India off-spinner also lauded Gill for changing his batting approach.

"Shubman Gill has been one of the better captains in this IPL, if not one of the best. And the way he has changed his batting, I will take my hat off. But their team has some weaknesses and flaws. They have covered it by utilizing the home advantage," he added.

Ashwin said that playing Kulwant Khejroliya in the high-voltage fixture was a mistake, and the 28 runs that the left-arm pacer conceded in the 15th over changed the game in favour of RCB.

"RCB exposed GT's limitations at a neutral ground. It was an important toss to win, and he chose to field first. But I don't understand why they played Kulwant Khejroliya today. I don't understand. If you want to play someone, there needs to be some mystery. He is not a mystery spinner or bowler; he has already played a few matches. 28 runs were scored in the 15th over, and it completely turned the game," Ashwin said.