IPL 2025: The rise of Shubman Gill, the leader of Team India

Dubai: At Eden Gardens, Shubman Gill did more than score runs — he made a statement.

The Gujarat Titans skipper returned to the ground where he made his name, struck a majestic 90, and dismantled defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders with the composure of a seasoned leader. The result? A 39-run win that sent Gujarat to the top of the table — and sent a message to the rest of the league.

Gill, who took over the reins after Hardik Pandya’s move back to Mumbai Indians, came into IPL Season 18 with questions over his leadership. But halfway through the season, those doubts are vanishing fast. He’s not just leading the Titans — he’s inspiring them.

Monday’s commanding win in Kolkata saw the Titans dominate in every department. Gill and Orange Cap-holder Sai Sudharsan added 114 for the opening stand, laying the foundation for Jos Buttler’s explosive 23-ball 41. With the ball, Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan picked up two wickets each on a sluggish pitch to seal the win.

The result took Gujarat to 12 points from eight matches, putting them in pole position. Delhi Capitals, on 10 points, have a game in hand.

Gujarat’s vice-captain Rashid Khan was effusive in his praise for Gill’s leadership.

“Shubman has a very bright future as a leader — not just as a batter, but in the way he thinks and understands the game. He comes with a plan. He’s very calm, and when you see him on the ground — the way he manages the team, the bowlers, and the overall environment — I think he has all the qualities to be a great leader.

“He’s captaining in such a big league, and I think the pressure here is even more than the World Cup. This is the best opportunity for him to take bold decisions and grow as a captain,” Rashid said on JioHotstar’s Gen Gold series.

Gill’s rise as a leader has also been endorsed by India skipper Rohit Sharma, who spoke about the opener’s growing influence during the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

“Gill’s numbers have been superb for us in the last three to four years. Obviously, there is a reason he has been elevated as vice-captain of the team. Hopefully, he has a great tournament, and it will eventually help us achieve the things we are looking to achieve,” Rohit said.

Gill finished as India’s third-highest run-scorer in the Champions Trophy with 188 runs at an average of 47 — and he’s brought that form into the IPL.

In Kolkata, his 90 was a masterclass in timing and temperament. “We saw some incredible shots — pure cricketing strokes,” said former India batter Ambati Rayudu. “That slog sweep against Sunil Narine was especially impressive. It wasn’t an easy shot to execute, and he managed runs all around the pitch.

“That shows batsmanship — boundaries along the ground, intelligent placement. It speaks to the quality he has and the strength of the top-order partnerships. That’s how you bat on a slow, sluggish pitch. Incredible batting by Shubman Gill.”

But Gill’s strength lies beyond the scoreboard. He has built a trusted core around him — giving players like Sudharsan the freedom to express themselves. The 22-year-old is now the tournament’s top scorer. Prasidh Krishna leads the Purple Cap race with 16 wickets, anchoring a well-rounded bowling attack.

With stars stepping up and a calm leader guiding the way, Gujarat Titans are more than a team in form — they’re a team with purpose.

Gill, the Prince, isn’t just filling Hardik Pandya’s shoes — he’s carving his own legacy. With the bat, he’s timing everything sweetly. With the armband, he’s calling the shots confidently. And as Gujarat surge towards the playoffs, their captain looks like a man who knows exactly where he’s taking his team: to the top — and possibly, to their second IPL title.