Shubman Gill told to ‘unleash’ like Yashasvi Jaiswal amid T20 scrutiny: 'He actually has nothing to lose'

Simon Doull reiterated his stance, saying Shubman Gill needs to stop holding himself back and play with complete freedom at the top.

Updated on: Apr 8, 2026, 15:49:30 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Shubman Gill has entered the ongoing IPL season with something to prove, having been left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad at the last moment. The team went with a combination tailored for an ultra-aggressive batting line-up, leaving Gill on the sidelines. Questions over his strike rate have often influenced the team’s batting order in T20Is, and the spotlight is now firmly on him to reaffirm his credentials in the IPL.

Shubman Gill has a point to prove in IPL 2026. (PTI)

He began the season positively, scoring 39 runs against Punjab Kings at a strike rate of 144.44. He missed the second match due to a minor injury but is now eager to make a statement. His next challenge comes against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday night, where he will be under pressure to deliver a performance that reminds everyone of his T20 pedigree.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull feels Shubman Gill has the freedom to play his natural game this IPL without pressure after getting knocked out of India’s T20I set-up. He reckons Gill should adopt a more aggressive approach at the top, much like Yashasvi Jaiswal this season, and has the ability to make a similar impact if he finds his rhythm.

"He's not part of the Indian T20I setup. So he actually has nothing to lose in T20 cricket. He's the guy who should be more aggressive at the top of the order. He should be the one who goes really hard. Shubman should set the tone and be aggressive as the leader. He can do what Jaiswal is doing easily this year. If he can find form and rhythm, that sets them on their merry way," Doull said on Cricbuzz.

Also Read - Sourav Ganguly’s earnest request to Ajinkya Rahane with Rinku Singh watching: ‘Bats too low. Push him up the order’

Jaiswal too missed out on the T20 World Cup squad, but it hasn’t curbed his fearless approach in the IPL, where he’s carried on in the same attacking vein and currently holds the Orange Cap.

“Shubman Gill has to get out of his own way a little bit”

Doull reiterated his stance, saying Shubman needs to stop holding himself back and play with complete freedom at the top. He felt the Gujarat Titans skipper's willingness to express himself, without worrying about his place in the T20I setup, could make a big difference, and pushed for a far more attacking approach to help the team post bigger totals.

"Shubman just has to get out of his own way a little bit and express yourself. That's when they'll get the 200 to 220 scores. He can just be free and play now that he's not part of the Indian T20I setup. If he can do that, it'll set them on their way. I want him to unleash and really enjoy it by attacking," said Doull.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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