“Captaincy came early” – Mohammed Shami on Shubman Gill leading Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024

India’s veteran and GT fast bowler Mohammed Shami feels the pressure of captaincy has come early in Shubman Gill’s career. Gill, 24, will lead Gujarat Titans in the ongoing Indian Premier League after Hardik Pandya moved back to Mumbai Indians in all-cash trade deal.

This will be the first time when Gill will lead at such a level and he will look to get the best out of his players. Gill had bagged the Orange Cap in the previous season after scoring 890 runs in 17 matches and played a key role in taking GT to the final of the tournament.

The youngster will look to lead from the front as GT will face Mumbai Indians in their opening match on Sunday.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Mohammed Shami said, “As you said (the anchor suggested that captaincy came early for Gill), the captaincy came early, and he wouldn’t have expected it; I feel the same. But you had to take the responsibility one day. You have been performing well in past seasons and producing good performances in international cricket, too.”

Shami advised Gill to stay calm as a leader and focus on how he can keep the balance of the team.

“You don’t have to take too much load over the captaincy, just be normal and have patience. The more you stay calm, the better it will be. You have the responsibility now; you can’t say no. Just focus on your skills and how you can balance your team.”

On the other hand, Gill vowed GT’s fans that the players will give their absolute best for the franchise.

Gill said on franchise’s social media, “As your captain, I can’t wait to experience this IPL season with all of you. We have had two remarkable seasons with everyone giving it their all. You from the stands, us on the ground. As we start this new season, a new beginning. I assure you that the GT way remains the same. We believe in our group and we will do it for you. Come, together let’s make another memorable season.”

It will be interesting to note how Gill will lead his troops in the IPL.