Since Hardik Pandya moved from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians, the focus has been on Mumbai's transition with Rohit Sharma remaining a key member of the team. IPL 2024 is the first time in 17 years that a current Indian captain is playing under another leader at a franchise. However, Gujarat's own transition has been largely overlooked.
Under the leadership of Hardik Patel, the Gujarat Titans franchise won the IPL in their inaugural season in 2022. However, in the following edition, they lost to CSK in the final. The Titans were becoming one of the most consistent teams in the intensely competitive IPL. Therefore, Hardik's unexpected departure as captain was a major blow to the franchise.
Despite having two experienced overseas players, Kane Williamson and Rashid Khan, who have successfully led international sides, the Titans have decided to appoint the promising Shubman Gill as their new captain.
Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth believes that changing the captaincy could benefit the team. This would give the Gujarat bowlers the freedom to set their fields and execute individual plans.
Speaking to Fancode, Sreesanth said that Hardik isn't with the Gujarat Titans to instruct the bowlers. Bowlers need the freedom to bowl sometimes. Gill is the captain this season, and there is no doubt that Ashish Bhai will order them to bowl. According to Sreesanth, having a young captain means that bowlers will also take on responsibility, which can be beneficial.
GT had a strong start to the 2024 IPL season, winning their first match against MI. However, they were then defeated by CSK in their next game, despite being the defending runners-up from last season.