'I am entitled to disagreement with your assertion' - Vikram Solanki not happy with journalist questioning Shubman Gill's form in IPL 2022

Vikram Solanki, Gujarat Titans’ director of cricket, didn’t look happy after one of the journalists questioned opener Shubman Gill’s not so good form in the ongoing IPL season. Solanki, a former England cricketer, was startled after hearing the reporter’s comments on the Titans’ opening batter claiming he doesn’t agree with his ‘assertion.’

Gill was drafted by GT ahead of the IPL 2022 auction after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders. He had a poor start to the season but covered it up by playing some beautiful knocks for the side and helping them win the game. In the 14 matches of the league stage, Gill has scored 403 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 133.89 which is a decent effort.

“Dekhiye apne jo sawal kiya isse hum to disagree karenge. (I don’t agree with your question.) The partnership that Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha have forged, they all were very good partnerships. And whatever you are saying about Shubman Gill, this is incorrect,” Solanki was quoted by News 18.

Gill remains to be a vital cog of the team and has played some crucial knocks in the top order, alongside Wriddhiman Saha in the recent games. He has four half-centuries from this season, and also registered his personal best while playing against the Delhi Capitals by knocking a 59-ball 96 runs.

“Shubman Gill has played a number of match-winning knocks. For instance, against LSG. The way he handled his innings and gave us a chance, I am entitled to disagreement with your assertion. As far as our opening partnership is concerned, Wriddhi bhai (Wriddhiman Saha) and Shubman Gill are an ideal combination. They complement each other in the style of play. And having Wriddhiman around Shubman is great as they can communicate better and it bodes well for our team,” Solanki countered.

Hardik’s captaincy played a huge role in our success: Solanki

Solanki also heaped praises on skipper Hardik Pandya for his communication skills. He asserted that Pandya has a bond with his players, which is resulting in the team’s success. GT, who entered the league this season making its debut, became the first team to qualify for the playoffs and ended the league stage on top of the points table.

“Hardik has grown as a leader and he has taken the captaincy well. He is very giving of his time, he has grown involved. He is having conversations with each and every bowler. Of course, someone like Shami bhai (Mohammed Shami) needs no guidance, but it’s always good for them to have a connection. So Hardik is a good communicator and I would reiterate that Hardik’s captaincy played a huge role in our success,” Vikram Solanki concluded.