Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has put his weight behind behind Shubman Gill to return to India’s T20I team not only as a batter but also as a leader of the side. Gill was not picked in India’s T20 World Cup squad after he failed to deliver the goods.
However, the talisman has been at his absolute best in IPL 2026. Gill scored a stunning knock of 104 runs off just 53 balls in the second qualifier against Rajasthan Royals at New Chandigarh on Friday in the run chase of 215.
The GT skipper has scored 722 runs in 15 matches of IPL 2026 at an average of 48.13 and a strike rate of 163.71.
Ambati Rayudu said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Yes, it was a terrific innings. If you look at the pitch, it was slightly paced as compared to the previous game; the bounce was good, and the ball was coming to the bat at good speed. It suits Shubman Gill’s batting. The way he pulled Jofra Archer showed he was comfortable with the pitch and pace.
“He played with control, beautiful and low-risk cricketing shots, but was very effective. In my opinion, this player is not just a leader but also a batter who has improved a lot. Looks settled and plays with a good strike rate if you look at it compared to the last two years. He has come out as a complete cricketer.
“He can score in any conditions, not just good wickets. His future is very bright in T20 cricket. I don’t think he’ll be out for long and as a leader as well [in T20Is]. If he makes a comeback, he might as well become captain of the side,” Rayudu added.
On the other hand, Rayudu played down concerns regarding Sai Sudharsan’s second consecutive hit-wicket dismissal. Once again against RR, Sudharsan lost grip on his bat, which hit the stumps directly.
“It’s an odd dismissal. It’s tough to explain in detail what happened. Sometimes it happens by losing the grip, but I think when he opens the wrist at the last minute, he is losing contact with the bat. He needs to focus on practice. It’s not a big problem.
“You are playing tremendous cricket because bowlers are not getting you out. He has time to play good bowlers. Apart from Shubman Gill, he is also emerging as a player who can deliver in difficult situations against good bowlers.”
Sudharsan has scored 716 runs in 16 matches of IPL 2026.
