Shubman Gill has found a staunch supporter in Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, who has cautioned against snap judgments based on a couple of T20I outings. Nehra stressed that judging players after just two matches in a fast-paced format like T20 can be misleading and reflects a growing trend of forming quick conclusions in Indian cricket.
Nehra: T20 Form Is Not the Whole Picture
Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill, who returned as vice-captain in the Asia Cup, scored 181 runs in his last 10 games at a strike rate below 140. Despite this, Nehra emphasized that these statistics should not define the batter’s abilities. “Forget three months, had IPL been three weeks away, I still wouldn’t be worried. Only two matches have been played against South Africa. Judging him on this basis is unfair,” Nehra remarked.
The former India fast bowler highlighted that criticism often focuses excessively on numbers rather than evaluating a player’s potential or the context of performances.
Options Are Available, But Patience Is Key
In his typical candid style, Nehra humorously outlined multiple batting options if the team were to make changes. He suggested that while players like Abhishek Sharma or Gill could theoretically be replaced by Sai Sudharsan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, or Ishan Kishan, such decisions should not be made hastily based on one or two poor performances.
“Now, if you lose 1 or 2 matches, if the stats of the so-called batsmen or bowlers are not good and if you talk about changing them, then it will be difficult,” Nehra said, defending Gill’s form and role in the side.
Washington Sundar: A Flexible All-Rounder
Nehra also clarified the role of Washington Sundar, emphasizing his versatility. Sundar can bat anywhere from positions 1 to 6, and on helpful surfaces, his off-spin adds significant value. “Washington Sundar, the kind of skill-set he has, is a batsman who can bat at any slot between 1 to 6 or 7. On conducive surfaces, he is a complete package with both batting and bowling,” Nehra explained.
The coach further highlighted that Sundar is still improving and, given the right conditions and form, can play a more prominent role in IPL 2026.
Titans’ IPL 2026 Auction Strategy
Gujarat Titans will approach the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 with a purse of Rs 12.90 crore, the third-lowest among 10 teams. Nehra noted that their core squad is largely set, with only 4–5 players released. Unlike teams rebuilding their core, Titans are focused on selectively filling gaps, especially in middle-order batting and flexibility for overseas slots.
Current Lineup Strength
Key players include Jos Buttler, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj. The final slot could involve Glenn Phillips as a big-hitting all-rounder, with Washington Sundar as a domestic option.
“Pretty much all slots are filled. We go with an open mind during the auction. Our team is set and in a comfortable position,” Nehra added.
Conclusion: Patience and Strategic Planning
Ashish Nehra’s comments underline the importance of patience and strategic thinking in both international T20 cricket and IPL planning. While Shubman Gill may face criticism for limited matches, Nehra’s perspective emphasizes context, potential, and long-term planning over knee-**** reactions. Washington Sundar’s versatility further strengthens the team’s options as Gujarat Titans prepare for IPL 2026.
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