Shubman Gill is enjoying a terrific run as both captain and batter in the ongoing IPL 2026. Besides scoring over 600 runs so far, he has also guided Gujarat Titans to the playoffs, with the franchise currently placed second in the standings. On Thursday, GT outclassed five-time champions Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs, ending CSK’s faint playoff hopes.
IPL 2026 | Schedule | Results | Orange Cap | Purple Cap
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that, based on how IPL 2026 has unfolded so far, Gill has been the “best captain” of the season.
Kaif highlighted the opening batter’s effective use of his bowlers, saying it’s the sign of a great captain.
“For me Shubman Gill is this IPL’s best captain,” Kaif posted on X. “The sign of a great captain is how
he uses his bowlers. His bowlers have taken 108 wickets in 14 games. RCB, PK, SRH, RR, CSK have been dismissed by GT bowlers, Gill asks his bowlers to stick to Test match line and length.”
For me Shubman Gill is this IPL’s best captain. The sign of a great captain is how he uses his bowlers. His bowlers have taken 108 wickets in 14 games. RCB, PK, SRH, RR, CSK have been dismissed by GT bowlers, Gill asks his bowlers to stick to Test match line and length. Gill…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 21, 2026
“Gill plays correct cricket – has great batting technique and knows how to use his bowlers,” he added.
Gill took over GT captaincy after Hardik Pandya rejoined Mumbai Indians prior to the start of IPL 2024. Pandya had two highly successful seasons with GT as he captained them to a title triumph in their debut IPL season before nearly defending the title the following year when they finished runners-up.
Gill joined GT as a draft pick prior to their IPL bow in 2022 after the talented top-order batter was released by Kolkata Knight Riders. He made an immediate impact, scoring 483 runs in his maiden season with the franchise before winning the Orange Cap the following year.
Once Pandya left, Gill was handed over the team’s reins in 2024. However, the team finished a lowly 8th in the standings in his debut season as captain but recovered to finish third last year and qualify for the playoffs.
