Gujarat Titans batting coach and mentor Gary Kirsten has backed newly-appointed skipper Shubman Gill to deliver the goods as a leader. Gill was appointed GT’s captain after former skipper Hardik Pandya moved back to Mumbai Indians in all-cash trade deal.

Pandya took Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and then the franchise qualified for the final in the previous season but could not cross the last hurdle against Chennai Super Kings. Ergo, Gill will have huge shoes to fill and he will look to lead from the front.

This will be the first time when Gill will lead the side at the top level and it will be interesting to note how he will handle the captaincy pressure. Gill had proved his mettle as a batter in the previous season, scoring 890 runs in 17 matches and playing a key role in taking the franchise to the final of the tournament. Gill ended the tournament as the highest run-getter as he bagged the Orange Cap.

Gill has scored 2780 runs in 91 IPL matches at an impressive average of 37.7 and a strike rate of 134.07.

“I think the leadership role is going to be really important to him. I know he is really keen to do the job and we, as coaches, should just assist him and make sure he gets the best out of his players and is leading the team appropriately the way we want him to lead,” Gary Kirsten was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The former South African opener feels Gill could face challenges as a leader in the upcoming season.

“He’s got massive motivation and determination as an individual, which we have seen while playing for India. But like any new leader, he’s starting from scratch, and is going to face some challenges along the way and we, as coaches, will just have to assist him along the way,” Kirsten said in this regard.

Gujarat Titans will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Mumbai Indians at their home ground of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 24.