AB De Villiers expressed disappointment as he believes Gujarat Titans missed a significant chance by not appointing Kane Williamson, an experienced player, as their captain.
AB de Villiers criticized Gujarat Titans’ decision not to appoint Kane Williamson as captain after Hardik Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians for the upcoming IPL season. Instead, GT opted for Shubman Gill, despite the challenge of filling Pandya’s leadership role. De Villiers believes Williamson’s experience could have benefitted the team while allowing Gill to solidify his place in Indian cricket across formats.
“The minute I saw Kane Williamson’s name as a retained player, I thought there was a fantastic opportunity to give an experienced player who has done it before an opportunity to captain for you. Give Shubman Gill the opportunity just to cement in all the formats in Indian cricket and just to have another good season at the IPL,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
Gill emerged as a standout performer in the previous IPL season, securing the Orange Cap with 890 runs and three centuries, steering Gujarat Titans to the final, where they faced defeat against Chennai Super Kings. De Villiers remarked that although Gill’s captaincy might prove beneficial, he believes that waiting for another season for Gill to learn from Kane Williamson could have been advantageous.
“They decided to throw him in as captain. It may pay off; I am not saying it is wrong. I am saying that it was a great opportunity for Shubman just to learn a little bit and know that the plan is for him to be captain in 2025. Nonetheless, I am excited to watch him perform and lead from the front,” he added.
Last Updated on December 4, 2023
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