'Should've been Kane Williamson': Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans captaincy role evokes polarizing reactions

Well, it is set in stone now (figuratively). Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new captain of Gujarat Titans and will lead the former champions in IPL 2024. Gill replaces Hardika Pandya who, after having led the Titans for two seasons, has been welcomed back by the Mumbai Indians in what has been the talk-of-the-town purchase in the lead-up to the auctions. 

While Pandya's return to his former team has evoked interesting reactions, many are happy about the fact that IPL 2024 will beckon a new phase in the career of Shubman Gill, the "Prince of Indian cricket".

"Can't wait to see Gill's captaincy," said one user on X (formerly Twitter) to sum up the excitement that currently surrounds the announcement, while another predicted that "kipper Shubman Gill is all set to do wonders with his captaincy" in the upcoming edition(s) of the men's Indian Premier League. Comments and thoughts have come pouring in for Shubman Gill who has had a great run thus far as a batter for the Gujarat Titans.

"Should have been Kane Williamson"

But does that mean everyone's in agreement with the decision to make Shubman Gill the captain of the Titans? Considering that the same boasts a couple of other big contenders like Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan and David Miller, a few sports aficionados on social media are of the opinion that Gill is perhaps a bit young (and inexperienced) for the job. 

"Not a good decision...i think Kane Williamson is the right option," said one user to suggest that the New Zealand legend has enough and more experience to lead an all-star side such as Gujarat Titans. Another pointed out that captaincy could cause unnecessary additional pressure for Shubman Gill who, technically, is still learning the ropes of high-stakes cricket. 

In the same vein, users felt that it is perhaps the right time to trust Gill with such an important position, especially considering he has the exuberance of youth and is also raring to make a mark on the biggest stage. Moreover, Kane Williamson's inclusion in the final squad might still be debatable because of the star power that the Titans boast.

Kane Williamson was ruled out of IPL 2023 following a leg injury he sustained while fielding. His previous stint for the Sunrisers Hyderabad resulted in one title win (in 2016 under David Warner's captaincy) and a runners-up result in 2018, when he led the side.