IPL 2024: Matthew Hayden expects Shubman Gill to get better as captain

Gujarat Titans have failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their brief IPL history. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the franchise won the coveted trophy in 2022 and finished as runner-up in 2023 but ever since he left the franchise to join Mumbai Indians, Gujarat have struggled to remain consistent in the league. Under the new leadership of Shubman Gill, the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2024 as they currently stand eighth on the points table, with 11 points to their name in 13 matches.

Despite Gill’s failure to carry his team to the playoffs, former cricketer Matthew Hayden backed the India international to get better in the coming seasons. He believes that the franchise has a lot of star power that can guide Gill in tough situations and for them to compete for the title once again. He also revealed legendary captain Steve Waugh’s message to his players and expects GT to turn things around in the coming years.

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“I believe anything that Shubman Gill should do to improve himself as a leader (he should). Steve Waugh once said this to us as a group: 'Don't wait for me to be a leader. Be your own leaders on the field and off the field. And you will go back to your respective states, your franchises. And then, ultimately, when you come to me as your national captain, you will come in and make my job easier,” Matthew Hayden told Star Sports.

“I am a big believer in trying to bite off more than you can chew. He has got a strong support base around him that can keep him somewhere near planet Earth when the elations come. They have come thick and fast. They are already here. His group of men trust and respect him. I am sure if he can find ways to learn -- there are some parts of his batting that he will work out different strategies moving forward,” he added.

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Notably, unlike last year, Gill hasn’t been at his best with the bat. Even though he has 426 runs to his name in 12 matches, the opener wasn’t consistent. Batting has been GT’s biggest problem in 2024 and that is one area that the team management would eye to improve in the further auction.