Chopra Hails an ‘Upgraded’ Shubman Gill After GT’s 77-Run Win Over RR

Aakash Chopra believes Shubman Gill has reached a new level this IPL, following his 84 off 44 balls in Gujarat Titans’ 77-run win over Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 9.

Consistency with extra aggression

Chopra said Gill has become a byword for consistency, with seven successive seasons of 400-plus runs, and that an improved version has appeared this year. He noted Gill’s aggression, whether launching a straight six off Jofra Archer or attacking Josh Hazlewood.

The former India opener pointed out that only Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan had previously managed seven consecutive such seasons, making Gill the third. Chopra argued that doing so while captaining a side is especially hard, yet it has not weighed on him.

Bold leadership

Chopra also admired Gill’s bowling decisions in the powerplay. He has regularly trusted Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada with several early overs, even after costly openers. Chopra said this shows a fearless mindset.

Against Royals, Rabada went for 15 in his first over, but Gill brought him back and was rewarded when the pacer later removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer.