India’s white-ball stars Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer will captain the Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings, respectively, in the IPL 2026 opener in Chandigarh. Gill, aiming to solidify his T20 position after missing the T20 World Cup squad, faces scrutiny on his batting pace despite his consistent IPL performances.
Gill, the Titans’ key player, has shown improved strike rates in recent seasons, indicating a more aggressive approach. With Matthew Hayden as the batting coach, Gill’s power-hitting skills are expected to further develop. His leadership role has also grown since taking over as captain.
The Gujarat Titans, known for their consistent performances, rely on a strong top order led by Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan, the top run-scorer last season, returns from injury with promising form. The team also boasts depth with players like Kumar Kushagra, offering flexibility in the middle order.
