Indian opener Shubman Gill is hopeful that if Gujarat Titans go on to play the IPL final, then it will open selection doors for him in the T20 World Cup 2022 later in the year.
Gujarat Titans will play their maiden season in the IPL and they will look to hit the ground running under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, who is also making a comeback after a long hiatus.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was released by Kolkata Knight Riders and then he was roped by Gujarat Titans before the IPL 2022 mega auction. Gill has scored 1417 runs in 58 IPL matches at an average of 31.49 and a strike rate of 123. The talented batter had done a decent job for Kolkata Knight Riders and he will play a crucial role in Gujarat Titans’ success.
Gill would want to score his runs at a better strike rate and make the most of the powerplay overs as he is going to bat as an opener.
Gill said in an interview with PTI in this regard: “I feel as a player what’s most important for me is to do my job well for the team (Gujarat Titans), and I think if I am able to do well, then it is also doing well for myself. And if we (GT) go on to play the playoffs and reach the final, I might get a chance to play for India in WT20.”
In fact, Gill started his IPL career while batting down the order for KKR.
“I started my IPL career with KKR batting at numbers 6 and 7. The first whole year (2018), I batted at No. 6 and maybe once, if I remember did I open the innings in 14 games. I think I batted at No. 4 once that season.”
The youngster added he is happy to play any role which the franchise wants him to play in the batting order.
“In the second year, I batted at No. 7, and it was the third year really, when I got to open the batting. If you ask me what I prefer, I would love to bat at the top order, but if the team wants me to do a different role, I (am) game for that.”
Meanwhile, KKR had a poor run in the first leg of IPL 2021 but they were able to turn the tables in the second phase. Gill also came up with good performances as he scored 478 runs in 17 matches and played a key role in leading the team to the final.
“When I was injured, I was really looking forward to what we have next, and IPL was coming up. During 2021, I had (a) really bad first phase of IPL in India, and also as a team, we hadn’t done well. But knowing that we have another opportunity to make a comeback, may be winning six out of seven games, that challenge motivated me.”
He added: “What really motivates me when I am not able to perform is the next opportunity that comes along. I am always looking forward towards that next opportunity – both for myself and for my team.”
Gujarat Titans will begin their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 28th March.
