Gujarat Titans batter Shahrukh Khan has lavished praise on Shubman Gill's growth as a leader, describing the India Test and ODI captain as a deeply tactical cricketer whose mind never stops working on the game. Speaking on 2 September, Shahrukh — who has shared the Gujarat Titans dressing room with Gill through his IPL journey — said the qualities that define Gill's captaincy are most visible to those who train alongside him every day.

From Gujarat Titans to India's Captaincy

Gill's ascent from IPL skipper to leading India's Test and ODI sides has been one of Indian cricket's more compelling leadership stories. Shahrukh, who has had a ringside view of that evolution, was unambiguous in his assessment.

'Obviously, as a captain, he has grown immensely from captaining Gujarat Titans to captaining the country's Test side. I don't have to explain how good a captain he is. Because we saw the series in England, the way he captained, how aggressive he was whenever the team needed him to be. And looking at his journey as a captain, it's been wonderful to share the dressing room alongside him, where he understands players very well,' Shahrukh said.

The Tactical Mind Behind the Calm Exterior

What strikes Shahrukh most is the gap between how Gill appears from the outside and how he actually operates as a decision-maker on the field.

'He is somebody who is very tactical. Doesn't look like much when you see from the outside. But as teammates, when you see him every day at practise and in the game, his mind is constantly running on what to do,' Shahrukh said. 'He has got so many options in his head which he more often than not chooses the right thing. And to be playing under him is a pleasure.'

This observation carries weight given Gill's age — he assumed the India captaincy at a point in his career when most players are still establishing themselves. The England series, referenced by Shahrukh, was widely noted for Gill's aggressive tactical calls under pressure.

Shahrukh's Own IPL Struggles and Resilience

The praise for Gill comes against the backdrop of a difficult IPL 2026 campaign for Shahrukh himself. Retained by Gujarat Titans for ₹4 crore, he failed to make a consistent impact and was dropped from the playing XI midway through the season. His recovery came in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where he steered his side to victory with crucial performances.

'IPL is always the best league in the world. And to be a part of it and to be playing for the last 6-7 years, I feel very fortunate and lucky. Because the level in which the players are in terms of mindset is the ultimate level for any youngster to play,' he said.

'As a player, the more you get into sport and you understand the sport, it's about the highs and the lows. You just can't be high all the time or low all the time. There has to be a balance in both and I'm fortunate enough to be a part of it,' he added.

What's Next for Shahrukh

With the next IPL season on the horizon, the Tamil Nadu batter is looking to carry the momentum from his TNPL form back into franchise cricket. His bond with Gill and the Gujarat Titans setup remains a key pillar of his T20 journey, and a stronger campaign at the IPL level is firmly in his sights.