Ravichandran Ashwin Encourages Shubman Gill to Focus on Runs Ahead of IPL 2026
Ashwin's Insights on Gill's IPL Ambitions
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill will enter the season with a strong desire to reclaim his spot in the Indian T20I team. Ashwin advised Gill to prioritize his natural game over chasing a high strike rate.
Following his exclusion from the T20 World Cup after serving as vice-captain, Gill is eager to make a significant impact and score quickly to secure his place in the national squad. He was previously reinstated as vice-captain, with Sanju Samson being dropped, and at times, Gill batted at the top of the order. However, the attempt to establish him as a three-format player did not succeed, as he managed only 291 runs in 15 innings, averaging 24.25 with a strike rate of 137.26 and a top score of 47. Consequently, he was left out before the World Cup, making way for Ishan Kishan, who returned after an impressive domestic season, while Samson resumed his role as an opener.
In his T20I career, Gill has accumulated 869 runs in 36 innings, averaging 28.03 with a strike rate exceeding 137, including one century and three fifties. Unlike his IPL performances, he has often struggled to convert promising starts into substantial scores.
Ashwin's Advice: 'Focus on Scoring, Not Strike Rate'
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin remarked that dismissing Gill at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium would be challenging and encouraged him to 'plunder runs' without fixating on his strike rate. He stated, 'To get him out in Ahmedabad is quite tough; he has become quite formidable. If I were in his position, I would focus on scoring runs. The best way to remain relevant is to accumulate runs. He will be the standout batter for GT.'
Ashwin expressed confidence in Gill's batting skills, noting that scoring runs is akin to a hobby for him. He urged Gill to play his natural game, emphasizing his diverse shot selection. 'If he chases after a high strike rate without scoring runs, GT will face difficulties. I trust that Gill possesses the skills to score runs without the need to chase a high strike rate.'
Aiming for the Orange Cap and T20I Comeback
Ashwin suggested that Gill could contend for the Orange Cap again, as he is determined to return to the T20I squad. 'In the top three of Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler, Gill will enter the season with great hunger. We might witness another season where he chases the Orange Cap, as he is willing to do whatever it takes to rejoin the T20I team,' he concluded.
Gill's Impressive IPL Performance
Currently, Gill holds the record for the most runs in the IPL during the 2020s, amassing 3,367 runs at an average of 40.56 across 91 innings, with a strike rate of 139.70, including four centuries and 22 fifties. His remarkable 890-run season in 2023 featured three centuries and four fifties in 17 innings, boasting a strike rate exceeding 157.
In the previous season, Gill ranked as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 650 runs in 15 innings, averaging 55.00 and maintaining a strike rate close to 156, while forming a reliable opening partnership with Orange Cap winner Sai Sudharsan, who scored 759 runs.