‘Don't think I have anything to prove’ - Shubman Gill ahead of IPL 2026

Shubman Gill has made it clear that personal milestones and satisfaction is not on his agenda heading into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The Gujarat Titans skipper, who has experienced a challenging journey in India’s T20I setup over the past year, stated that his primary focus remains on leading his franchise to another title. 

Gill was dropped, recalled, and even elevated to vice-captaincy for the Asia Cup, before eventually missing out on selection for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 hosted by India. Despite the ups and downs, the stylish opener remains unfazed and confident about his performances.

"I think if you look at the past three or four seasons, I think I have the most runs in the IPL. So, I don't think I have anything to prove in this season particularly. And the four years that I have played for this team, I think we have done decently well as a team. And I think I have done decently well as a batsman,” Gill said at a press conference ahead of the IPL.

The 26-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers in the IPL in recent years. His 650-run campaign in IPL 2025 played a key role in Gujarat Titans reaching the knockouts before their exit against Mumbai Indians. Notably, Gill’s aggregate since 2020 remains unmatched among batters in the league, underlining his dominance at the top.

"So, I don't think I need to prove to anyone my worth. I think I need to do what I have been doing for the past four years. And as a team, we need to be consistent, which I think we have been. And if we continue doing that sooner or later, I think we will win that trophy once more," he added.

Following a productive IPL season and a successful Test tour of England, where he also led the side, Gill earned a recall to India’s T20I setup and was named vice-captain. He featured in the Asia Cup and subsequent series’ at home. However, a lean run with the bat, failing to register a half-century across 15 innings in 2025, eventually led to his omission from India’s World Cup-winning squad.

Despite setbacks Gill remains clear about his priorities

"My personal goal right now is obviously to win the IPL. Once that will end, obviously we are going to have some other tournaments within the team, so my personal goals would change into that. And that's how I like to look about my goals,” he added.

With a clear mindset, Gill will be keen to translate his individual brilliance into collective success as Gujarat Titans eye another IPL title. They will open their 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on March 31.