Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has backed Shubman Gill to stop restricting himself as he can play with complete freedom at the top of the innings. He showed Gill the path of Yashasvi Jaiswal and asked him to consider adopting a more aggressive approach.
Gujarat Titans made a great start in the IPL with a brilliant innings from their captain Shubman Gill in the first game against Gujarat Titans. Due to a minor injury, he could not play the next match against Rajasthan Royals.
Shubman Gill has a lot to prove in IPL 2026
Shubman Gill has a lot to prove as he looks to star in the IPL 2026 season for Gujarat Titans. He made a great start to the season against Punjab Kings and batted at a good strike rate.
However, before his ouster from the Indian team, Shubman Gill’s main concern was never a major drop in strike rate as he batted at a strong rate. However, Gill was very inconsistent during this 15-innings phase, where he managed only 291 runs at an average above 20.
India dropped him ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as they wanted a more aggressive and in-form batting lineup, leaving Gill sidelined. However, all eyes will be on him to prove his credentials again in this season of IPL.
He can easily do the work that Jaiswal is doing this year – Simon Doull
Former NZ cricketer Simon Doull feels Shubman Gill has the freedom to play his natural game without pressure in this IPL after being left out of the Indian T20I setup.
He concedes that the GT captain should adopt a more aggressive approach at the top of the order, as Yashasvi Jaiswal did this season, and if he finds his rhythm he will have a similar impact. Despite missing out on a place in Team India, Jaiswal has not curbed his fearless attitude.
“He is not part of the Indian T20I setup. So really he has nothing to lose in T20 cricket. He is the guy who should be more aggressive at the top of the order. He should be someone who works really hard. Shubman should set the tone and be aggressive as the leader. He can easily do what Jaiswal is doing this year. If he can find the form and the rhythm, it takes them on their way,” Doull said. Said on Cricbuzz.
Shubman will just have to get out of his way – Simon Doull
Doull reiterated his stance that Shubman Gill needs to stop holding back and play with complete freedom as he opens the innings for Gujarat Titans. The powerplay gives the player an edge anyway.
The former New Zealand fast bowler stressed that the Gujarat Titans captain needs to express himself to the best of his ability and adopt a more aggressive approach to help the team post big scores.
“Shubman just has to come out of his way a little bit and express himself. Only then will he get scores of 200 to 220. He can just be free and play because he is not part of the Indian T20I setup. If he can do that, it will set him on his way. I want him to open up and enjoy it by attacking,” Doull said.
Also read: The truth behind the talk of patch-up and marriage between Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal came to light
