IPL 2025: Williamson Praises Gill as an Innate Leader

New Delhi, Match 24 (NationPress) The renowned batsman from New Zealand, Kane Williamson, has showered accolades on Shubman Gill, describing him as a born leader equipped with a remarkable cricketing intellect.

Having experienced Gill's captaincy at Gujarat Titans (GT) during IPL 2024, Williamson observed the young player's exceptional clarity in communication, decisiveness in choices, and his talent for motivating his teammates—traits that, in his opinion, position Gill as a formidable candidate for a leadership role in Indian cricket.

Williamson, celebrated for his composed and insightful leadership, identifies parallels in Gill's approach. "He’s a very well-rounded individual," Williamson shared with ESPNcricinfo. "He possesses a great cricketing mind and genuinely cares about his teammates. He is confident in his methods, which is a powerful leadership trait. That kind of confidence is contagious, so it’s no wonder he’s being considered for future leadership positions in India."

Gill's evolution as a leader has been gradual. Already serving as India's vice-captain in ODIs, he is viewed as a crucial component of the leadership group poised to take charge in the upcoming years. His leadership exposure under Rohit Sharma has further refined his understanding of team dynamics.

"Every leader has their specific duties, but it’s equally important to have the right leader for the group," Williamson elaborated. "By integrating him into vice-captaincy roles, India is equipping him for the future. This experience will aid him in grasping leadership intricacies under someone as seasoned as Rohit Sharma, who has successfully led for an extended period."

Alongside his tactical insight, Gill's commitment to fitness and training distinguishes him. "He takes care of his physique, spends hours in the gym, and is mindful of his diet. If one aims to excel in all formats at the highest level, that’s essential—and he's more than willing to put in the work," Williamson remarked.

Gill's batting also mirrors his leadership qualities. "The composure he exhibits at the crease is remarkable," Williamson noted. "Regardless of the pitch conditions or the pace of the bowlers, he remains steady, executes traditional shots with tremendous power, and times the ball exquisitely."

Gill's leadership will again face scrutiny in IPL 2025, marking his second season as the full-time captain of Gujarat Titans. In his inaugural season at the helm, GT finished eighth, their poorest placement in three years. However, with a rejuvenated squad following the auction, Gill has the chance to restore the consistency that led GT to victory in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023.

Williamson is confident that Gill possesses the right mindset for success. "I’ve never noticed him overwhelmed. He’s on a trajectory to continually improve, and I’m certain we’ll witness this across all formats," he concluded.