Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Shubman Gill’s leadership after Gujarat Titans suffered an ignominious loss of 92 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Dharamshala on Tuesday.
Ashwin reckons Gill erred when he didn’t introduce talismanic spinner Rashid Khan right after the completion of Powerplay overs. Khan was introduced into the attack for the first time in the eight over.
The Afghanistan spinner conceded only eight runs in his first two overs he bowled but he was taken for 21 runs in his third over by Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya.
Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “Rashid Khan has not had a very good season. The entire IPL 2026 hasn’t been one of the greatest seasons for spinners, but for Rashid Khan, it has probably been one of the better seasons than some of the other spinners. I personally think Shubman missed a trick by not bringing in Rashid for the seventh over.”
Ashwin added that Gill has been one of the best captains in the ongoing season and also praised the GT opener for changing his batting approach.
“Shubman Gill has been one of the better captains in this IPL, if not one of the best. And the way he has changed his batting, I will take my hat off. But their team has some weaknesses and flaws. They have covered it by utilizing the home advantage,” he added.
The former CSK spinner also questioned GT for playing Kulwant Khejroliya in their playing XI. While the left-arm seamer conceded only three runs in his opening over, he was taken for 28 runs in the 15th over of the innings, which Ashwin thinks was the turning point in the game.
“RCB exposed GT’s limitations at a neutral ground. It was an important toss to win, and he chose to field first. But I don’t understand why they played Kulwant Khejroliya today. I don’t understand. If you want to play someone, there needs to be some mystery. He is not a mystery spinner or bowler; he has already played a few matches. 28 runs were scored in the 15th over, and it completely turned the game.”
GT will now play the winner of the eliminator contest between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier.
