Shubman Gill or Kane Williamson? Who will become captain of Gujarat Titans after Hardik Pandya exit

The news of Hardik Pandya joining Mumbai Indians has disrupted IPL. As per several reports, Hardik might be in for a sensational return to his former stomping ground ahead of the IPL 2024. The deadline for the IPL trade window is November 26.

3 things you need to know

• Hardik Pandya might join Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL auction
• He guided Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 title
• Gujarat finished runner-up last season

Also Read: 'I don't see any reason why...: AB de Villiers sparks major selection row over Virat Kohli & Rohit

Hardik had an immensely successful stint with Gujarat since joining them in 2022. He guided GT to their maiden IPL title in their inaugural IPL season while losing to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 final. His potential departure would mean there would be a vacancy to fill as Hardik has been the undisputed captain of the IPL 2022 winner for the time being. But who will take his leadership role?

Kane Williamson to captain Gujarat Titans in the absence of Hardik Pandya?

There would be multiple options for GT management if Hardik had to leave the franchise after successful two campaigns. Kane Williamson is a readymade choice for the captaincy role as the New Zealand skipper has the experience of leading teams in the IPL. He guided Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL final in  2018 and also led his country to the final of three whiteball TCC tournaments. The Kiwis batsman is also one of the most experienced and proven batters in the history of the IPL having played more than 70 matches in the cash-rich tournament.

Also Read: 'I don't see any reason why...: AB de Villiers sparks major selection row over Virat Kohli & Rohit

Shubman Gill also emerged as a likely candidate for the leadership role

On the other side, Shubman Gill could be considered as an alternate option. The budding batsman has been one of the consistent names in the IPL and has also deputised Prithvi Shaw in the 2018 U-19 World Cup when India defeated Australia to lift the cup. However, Gill's inexperience as a captain might go against the flow. But keeping in view of future he might be handed the vice captaincy and could be seamlessly drafted into the main role in a year or two.