Cheteshwar Pujara believes Shubman Gill has the perfect momentum to perform well in IPL 2026 after missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pujara backed the Gujarat Titans skipper in his strong response and stressed that Gill remains an all-round, multi-format player who can return to the India T20I squad with a stellar performance this season.
“The snub from the T20 World Cup squad will definitely irritate Shubman Gill. He is a good player suitable for all three formats. If he performs well in the IPL 2026 season, he will definitely make his name in the Indian T20I team. He is the leading man in the Test team and also captains the ODIs. He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will return to the plans of the Indian team,” Pujara said.
Pujara admitted that the omission could bring extra pressure, but also described it as a big opportunity for Gill to showcase his growth in the shortest format. He emphasized that improving the scoring rate will be key.
“He will be under some pressure as he has not made it into the Indian team in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a good opportunity for him to continue batting in his own way. He needs to try to accelerate more because that is something he has been working on. This IPL season is the perfect season for him to show that he can bat at a strike rate of 150 to 160,” he added.
Explaining why Gujarat Titans are title contenders, Pujara highlighted the consistency and firepower of their top line-up, which includes Gill, Sai Sudarsan and Jos Buttler.
“GT looks to be the favorites to win the title this season. If you look at their line-up, the top order of captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarsan and Jos Buttler is incredible. You can’t get a better top order than them. The three have scored with amazing consistency. That’s their main strength,” he said.
He also pointed to the depth provided by all-rounders, especially the addition of Jason Holder, while identifying Rahul Tewatia as the team’s primary finisher and Shah Rukh Khan as a potential game-changer.
“The all-rounders they have, especially with the addition of Jason Holder, make them stronger. Holder is in excellent form with both bat and ball and is willing to contribute in both. Rahul Tewatia will be their main finisher. He can bowl if required, but his main job is to bat at number six or seven. Shah Rukh Khan is also a key player. If he starts fulfilling his potential, GT will be a different team entirely,” Pujara said.
On the bowling front, Pujara highlighted the strength of GT’s pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, along with an experienced bench and a diverse lineup.
“When it comes to bowling, their strength is the seamer. Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are their main pacers and Ishant Sharma will also be on the bench if required. Ashok Sharma will be in the lineup this time Unleash his fiery pace at some point in the season. Left-hander Luke Wood is another seamer who knows how to do well. Wood can replace him if Rabada doesn’t perform well but I expect Rabada, a strike bowler, to have a great IPL. The fans hope so,” he concluded.
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Gujarat Titans will start their IPL 2026 season against Kings XI Punjab on March 31 in Mullanpur. They will then play their first home match against Rajasthan Royals on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, followed by an away match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 8. Their next match will be against Lucknow Supergiants on April 12 in Lucknow.