GT spinner Rashid feels league contains more performance pressure than World Cup

Gujarat Titans (GT) premier spinner Rashid Khan lavished praise on Shubman Gill`s captaincy, while adding that the performance pressure in the ongoing IPL 2025 is more than that of the World Cup.

Further stating that Gill has all the qualities to be a great leader, Rashid said on JioHotstar`s special series `Gen Gold`: “He`s captaining in such a big league, and the pressure here is even more than the World Cup. This is the best opportunity for him as a captain to perform under pressure and take bold decisions.”

“Shubman has a very bright future as a leader, not just as a batter but in the way he thinks and understands the game. He comes with a plan. He`s very calm, and when you see him on the ground-the way he manages the team, the bowlers, and the overall environment, he has all the qualities to be a great leader,” said the 26-year-old leg-spinner.

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In the ongoing IPL 2025, the Gill-led side has clinched victories in five matches out of their seven clashes, with Titans enjoying the top spot with 10 points and a net run rate of +0.984.

In the 2022 edition, when GT`s then skipper Hardik Pandya was unwell, Khan was handed over the leadership duties. Speaking on his stint as the franchise`s captain, the Afghanistan star said it was a `dream-come-true` moment for him and it further helped him grow and perform the national duty even better. “It was a dream come true. That experience helped me grow, not just in the league but also when I returned to lead Afghanistan. I started thinking differently,” said the 463-T20 match veteran.

“Compared to 4-5 years ago, I had a shift in mindset. That leadership stint helped me and played a part in Afghanistan reaching the semi-finals in 2024 (of the T20 World Cup). The IPL exposes you to different conditions and situations that test and shape you into a better leader and player.”

GT will play their upcoming IPL 2025 fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 21 at the Eden Gardens.

(With PTI Inputs)