Parthiv Patel calls Shubman Gill true leader for giving up GT top retention

New Delhi: Newly-appointed Gujarat Titans assistant coach Parthiv Patel heaped praise on captain Shubman Gill for showing true leadership skills at the time of the retention period. Gill, who was appointed as captain of the franchise last season, was retained for a massive price of INR 16.50 crore before the auction.

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan was the top retention choice of the IPL 2022 winners for INR 18 crore. Top order batter Sai Sudharsan was the third capped-player retention for Titans worth INR 8.5 crore while uncapped players Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia were retained for INR 4 crore each.

Parthiv, who joined the Gujarat coaching staff ahead of the mega auction, said Shubman’s decision to give up the first retention despite being the captain showed his strong character.

“It happened before I joined the team. But looking from outside and now after joining the team we needed someone who thinks about it and Shubman has done that, credit to him,” Parthiv told reporters in a virtual interaction.

“It would have been very easy to say (otherwise), he’s done the right thing and goes to show that he is the leader and shows his character,” Parthiv added.

Gujarat Titans’ biggest deal in the recently concluded auction was of England captain Jos Buttler, purchasing him for INR 15.75 crore. Adding emphasis on the importance of Buttler’s presence in the Titans’ squad, Parthiv said:

“We needed a wicketkeeper and a player who is experienced. Also, someone who can bat at Nos 1-4 anywhere and Jos fulfils this role. He has been in T20 cricket for so long. He is one of the leaders of the team.”

Complete squad of Gujarat Titans for IPL 2025

 Shubman Gill, who was appointed as captain of the franchise last season, was retained for a massive price of INR 16.50 crore before the auction.   Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today