Shubman Gill, the Gujarat Titans skipper, recently shared a nostalgic moment from his childhood, recalling how one of his earliest IPL memories was throwing balls to cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Glenn Maxwell during Mumbai Indians’ practice at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula. For Gill, Tendulkar wasn’t just a cricketing idol but the very reason he pursued the sport, influenced by his father, Lakhwinder Singh, who was a die-hard fan of the batting maestro.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Gill reminisced about his childhood excitement when Mumbai Indians came to practice. “I remember attending three or four IPL matches with my father in Panchkula. I was around nine or ten years old when I got the chance to bowl at Sachin Sir and Glenn Maxwell in the nets. I even have a photo with them. I was extremely nervous, but Sachin Sir was already a legend to me. My father idolized him, and though he never put up posters, we had Sachin’s posters in our village,” Gill recalled.
From being a young boy in awe of Tendulkar to leading an IPL franchise, Shubman Gill’s journey has been remarkable. He started his IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018 and joined Gujarat Titans in 2022. Last season, he took on the captaincy after Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians.
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However, his first year as a leader was challenging, as the Titans struggled to find momentum and finished eighth in the standings. Despite the setbacks, Shubman Gill remains optimistic about his leadership growth.
“I believe leadership is a continuous journey,” he said. “Every match and every week teach you something new. Understanding different players and their perspectives is crucial—not just as a captain but as a teammate. The key is to recognize what helps each player perform at their best.”
Shubman Gill said – “Sachin sir was the reason I started playing cricket – My father is his biggest fan”. [JioHotstar] pic.twitter.com/6z1PeAQisl
— Being Human (@BhttDNSH100) March 19, 2025
Adapting to his new role, Gill emphasized the importance of personal connections with his squad. “Not every player responds the same way. Leadership is about understanding individual strengths and weaknesses and helping them regain form when they struggle. It’s about building a strong environment where everyone feels valued.”
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Initially, Gill admitted he wasn’t someone who naturally engaged in frequent conversations with teammates. “I had to make a conscious effort to talk to players, understand their mindset, and offer support. When a leader reaches out, it instills confidence and strengthens team morale.”
As Gill continues to refine his leadership, he will be looking to guide Gujarat Titans to a stronger season. The Titans will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Punjab Kings on March 25, aiming to make a statement under their young captain’s evolving leadership.
