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Gujarat Titans’ star spinner Rashid Khan has applauded the leadership qualities of his skipper Shubman Gill, following the franchise’s strong start to the IPL 2025 season.
The Titans currently sit atop the points table with 10 points from seven matches, after a commanding win over Delhi Capitals at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.
Shubman’s Composed Captaincy Earns Praise
Speaking on JioHotstar’s Gen Gold series, Rashid commended Gill’s composure and game awareness, noting that the young captain brings much more than batting prowess to the side.
“Shubman has a very bright future as a leader – not just for his batting but for how he thinks and understands the game,” Rashid said.
“He comes with a clear plan, remains calm under pressure, and handles the team, bowlers, and match situations with maturity. He already shows the makings of a great leader.”
Furthermore, Rashid suggested that captaining an IPL side may be more pressure-laden than international tournaments like the World Cup.
“The IPL is a huge stage. Captaining here brings immense responsibility, and this is the best opportunity for Shubman to test himself, make bold decisions, and grow as a leader.”
Gujarat Titans: A Family Beyond The Field
Reflecting on his experience within the franchise, Rashid described Gujarat Titans as a ‘family-like’ setup that has allowed him to thrive both as a bowler and an occasional batter.
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“From the moment I joined, the team welcomed me so warmly. It never felt like I had played for another team for five years prior. That family environment helped me enjoy my cricket again, and my performance improved. I’ve been given more responsibility and space to express myself,” he noted.
Leading Titans: A Turning Point In Rashid’s Career
Rashid also spoke about the pivotal moment he captained Gujarat Titans during their debut season in 2022, stepping in for Hardik Pandya when he was unwell.
“It was one of the biggest moments of my career. Leading the team during that season made me think differently, and it was a dream come true. That experience not only helped me in the IPL but also transformed how I approached leadership when captaining Afghanistan,” Rashid said.
He credited the stint with helping shift his mindset, ultimately contributing to Afghanistan’s impressive run to the semi-finals in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“The IPL puts you in high-pressure situations that mould you into a better cricketer and leader. That exposure made a big difference for me.”
Focus Remains On Pressure And Economy, Not Just Wickets
Despite a quiet season by his standards — with four wickets in seven matches — Rashid remains focused on maintaining control and applying pressure through economical spells.
“My aim is always to bowl in good areas and stick to my strengths. Taking wickets is important, but building pressure can lead to breakthroughs from the other end. If a batter plays cautiously, I’ll make tactical adjustments to force errors,” he explained.
He added that when conditions do not favour spin, his goal shifts to containment.
“If there’s no help from the pitch, I try to keep my four overs under 25 runs.
Restricting runs creates chances for others and benefits the team overall, even if I don’t take wickets myself.”
Next Challenge: Eden Gardens Clash Against KKR
Gujarat Titans will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when they face Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Monday.
With form, confidence, and leadership momentum on their side, the Titans appear poised for another strong showing in the ongoing IPL season.
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