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Shubman Gill's Assertive Leadership: How GT Built Their Winning Squad

Parthiv Patel highlighted Shubman Gill's assertive leadership in shaping Gujarat Titans' squad strategy. The assistant coach praised Gill's clear thinking and decision-making process during player retentions. Gujarat Titans released five players while retaining key stars like Rashid Khan and Jos Buttler. The team now heads into the IPL 2026 auction with Rs 12.9 crore to fill remaining slots.

Key Points: Parthiv Patel on Shubman Gill's Leadership for Gujarat Titans

  • GT released five players including Gerald Coetzee and Dasun Shanaka
  • Gill scored 650 runs in IPL 2025 with 155.88 strike rate
  • Team enters auction with Rs 12.9 crore for five spots
  • Parthiv observed Gill's captaincy growth in England and ODI cricket
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Shubman Gill's assertiveness key to Gujarat Titans' squad strategy: Parthiv Patel

GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel reveals how Shubman Gill's assertive thinking and clear vision shaped the team's retention strategy ahead of IPL 2026 season.

"He is someone who's very assertive about his thinking, and that is what actually helps us to build that squad. - Parthiv Patel"

Mumbai, November 16

Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach and former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel highlighted that Team India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill's assertiveness and clear thinking helped in shaping the Gujarat Titans team ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

The IPL announced retentions on Saturday, with GT releasing five players, Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Gerald Coetzee, Dasun Shanaka, and Mahipal Lomror, while trading Sherfane Rutherford to the Mumbai Indians.

Speaking on JioStar's 'Retention Special' show, Parthiv said deciding which players to retain or release is a careful process involving multiple considerations. While noting Gill's leadership qualities, he said that Gill is very assertive about his thinking, which helps build the squad.

"Yes, obviously retaining players or letting go of players is not an overnight process. You try and see a lot of combination and permutations, and then come to a conclusion. Obviously, we've seen Shubman Gill together very closely. I was fortunate enough to see his progress as a captain, the way he led the side in England, the way he led this experienced side in one-day cricket also. So, that is something obviously we did take that in account. And I've had quite a few chats with Shubman. He is someone who's very assertive about his thinking, and that is what actually helps us to build that squad. It's great to see how he's leading the team in international cricket. And hopefully, we can try and build on what we've done so far," said the GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel.

GT captain Gill led the team from the front in the 2025 IPL season with 650 runs in 15 matches at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 155.88, and he will look to replicate his heroics in the 2026 season as well.

Gujarat Titans will enter the IPL 2026 auction with a budget of Rs 12.9 crore and have the opportunity to fill five spots, including four slots for overseas players.

Complete List of Players Retained by GT for IPL 2026

Shubman Gill (c), Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Nishant Sindhu, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips.

Players Released by GT Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Gerald Coetzee, Dasun Shanaka, and Mahipal Lomror.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see young Indian captains taking charge. Gill's assertiveness is exactly what GT needs. The releases make sense - none of them were regular starters. Hope they use that 12.9 crore wisely in the auction!
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Sarah B
While I appreciate Gill's leadership, I'm a bit concerned about releasing Coetzee. He showed great potential and could have been useful on Indian pitches. Hope GT has a solid backup plan for the pace attack.
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Arjun K
The retained squad looks strong with Rashid, Rabada, and Buttler. Gill leading from the front with both bat and captaincy decisions. Parthiv's guidance will be valuable. Can't wait for the auction! 💪
K
Karthik V
Gill's growth as captain has been remarkable. From leading India in England to now shaping GT's strategy - he's maturing beautifully. The team management seems to trust his vision completely. Good signs for Indian cricket!
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Michael C
Interesting strategy by GT. Releasing 5 players and having 12.9 crore gives them good flexibility. Gill's clear thinking will be crucial in the auction room. Hope they pick some exciting young Indian talent!

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