The Prince. GT ki shaan. The future (captain) of Indian cricket. Our very own heart-throb. Punjabi munda. We can go on and on. Yes, Shubman Gill is continuing with Gujarat Titans, putting all rumours to rest.

Shubman has risen to become one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket and the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL). At just 25, he has firmly established himself as a pivotal player for both the Indian national team and Gujarat Titans, showcasing remarkable skill and maturity. His journey has been one of steady progress, with each season highlighting his talent, determination, and leadership potential. In 2024, he took on the captaincy of Gujarat Titans, adding another feather to his cap, and went on to lead the Indian T20I side in Zimbabwe. These milestones mark Shubman’s evolution as both a cricketer and a leader, and his journey has just begun.

When GT made its entry into the IPL in 2022, Shubman was among our marquee signings, selected even before the auction. This decision proved invaluable, as he quickly became one of the most consistent and talented batters in our lineup. Since then, he has delivered match-winning performances season after season, making him an indispensable part of the team. With his contribution and influence growing, we proudly chose to retain him for the upcoming season, knowing that his presence would be critical to our success.

Shubman’s first season with us in 2022 was nothing short of impressive. He scored 483 runs at an average of 34.50, establishing himself as a key player at the top of our batting order. One standout innings came against Punjab Kings, where he scored a brilliant 96, hitting 11 fours and a six to help chase down a challenging target of 190. Although he fell short of a century after being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, his impact on the game was clear. Another memorable performance came in the IPL final that year, where he guided us to victory against Rajasthan Royals with a composed 45 off 43 balls on a difficult pitch. That too, at our soon-to-be home ground. His maturity and demeanour under pressure were crucial in helping us claim the championship in our debut season.

After setting the bar in 2022, it was time for him to raise it In 2023. And raise it he did, by not one, but a few notches. He solidified his reputation as one of the finest young talents in the game. He amassed an extraordinary 890 runs at an average of 59.33, narrowly missing Virat Kohli’s record of 973 runs in a single season. His three centuries that year were a testament to his growing mastery, with his 129 off 60 balls in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians being a true standout

His powerful performance helped us post a massive total of 233, and we went on to win comfortably. Although the season ended in heartbreak with Chennai Super Kings claiming the title off the final ball of the game, Shubman’s brilliance throughout the tournament made it a season to remember, proving he was ready for any challenge.

By 2024, Shubman was ready for even more responsibility. Hardik Pandya’s departure paved the way for Shubman to be appointed as captain of GT. Although the season presented its challenges, Shubman once again stood out with 426 runs in 12 games at an average of 38.72. His century against Chennai Super Kings not only secured an important victory but also marked the IPL’s 100th century, a memorable achievement for both Shubman and the league. Alongside young talents like Sai Sudharsan, Shubman played a pivotal role in our campaign, even though we fell short of reaching the playoffs. His leadership on and off the field has been invaluable, and his ability to inspire the team makes him an ideal captain for the future.

Looking ahead to the 2025 IPL season, new retention rules allowed us to retain six players, and we chose to keep five. Shubman, without question, was among those retained. Along with him, we retained other key players, including Sai Sudharsan, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan. Our confidence in Shubman as a leader and a core member of the team remains strong, and we’re excited to keep building a formidable lineup around him.

As we set our sights on the upcoming IPL season, we believe Shubman can lead us to even greater heights. His journey has been inspiring, and with each season, he continues to grow as both a player and a leader. We look forward to an exciting future with him at the helm.