With the IPL 2026 player retention deadline set for November 15, franchises are in the final phase of deciding whom to retain and whom to release. Among the many speculations surrounding potential player transfers,
it would have been interesting if ShubmanGill had played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The thought of Gill walking out to open the innings alongside his idol, Virat Kohli, is enough to excite the fans.
Had Gill represented RCB, fans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium would have witnessed an iconic partnership. The Bengaluru surface, which is a batting paradise, would have perfectly suited Gill’s skillset. When RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT) clashed in the IPL 2023 season at Chinnaswamy, fans got a taste of that dream scenario, but as rivals. Kohli struck a magnificent century for RCB, only for Gill to reply with a breathtaking ton of his own, guiding GT to victory in a chase.
What if Shubman Gill played for RCB instead of Gujarat Titans?
If Gill were in RCB’s red and gold, his brand value could have skyrocketed even further. The franchise, with passionate fans and a massive social media presence, would have increased Gill’s appeal both on and off the field. Bengaluru’s fanbase would have praised Gill’s brilliance heavily.
Gill's batting would have often drawn comparisons with the game’s legends. From his Under-19 World Cup heroics to his record-breaking performances in international cricket, his career has seen both ups and downs. As a youngster, Gill once shared the stage with Kohli at a BCCI awards ceremony and now continues to play with him for the Indian team. Over the years, he’s developed from a promising player to a mature leader, captaining the Gujarat Titans in the IPL and now as a Test and ODI captain.
The Punjab-born has scored over 3800 IPL runs at an average near 40, with four centuries and 26 fifties. His 2023 season, where he scored 890 runs and won the Orange Cap, remains one of the finest batting campaigns in IPL history. Those numbers, when imagined on the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy surface, could have been even bigger. With shorter boundaries and high-scoring clashes, Gill might have had more runs under his belt.
Meanwhile, the potential chemistry between Kohli and Gill as teammates would have been fascinating. Together, they could have formed one of the most effective opening pairs in IPL history. Moreover, Gill’s presence might have eased the burden on Kohli, allowing RCB to structure their middle order. While RCB saw Rajat Patidar lift the title in his debut season as captain, with Gill in the fray, the leadership baton could have been handed to the latter, considering his experience.
