'Missed opportunity': AB de Villiers gives his verdict on GT naming Shubman Gill as skipper in IPL

Great batsman for South Africa AB de Villiers believes that the Gujarat Titans lost out on a great chance when they didn't give Kane Williamson the captaincy after Hardik Pandya signed a contract to play for the Mumbai Indians.

3 Things you need to know

• Shubman Gill has been named as skipper of Gujarat Titans
• Hardik Pandya led Gujarat titans to IPL victory in 2022
• Gujarat Titans were finalists of IPL 2023

READ: Will MS Dhoni play during IPL 2024? CSK CEO gives verdict ahead of upcoming season

Williamson should've been made captain: AB de Villiers

Shubman Gill, a young batting sensation, was selected by the 2022 Indian Premier League champions as their next captain in light of his stellar performances over the previous two seasons. The team has performed well in its first two seasons, making it to the championship game each time. But, the young Gill will have his work cut out for him in leading the team.

According to De Villiers, GT had the chance to assign an accomplished player like Williamson to captain the team and give Gill a little more time to establish himself in Indian cricket's various formats. "I thought there was a great opportunity to give an experienced player who has done it before an opportunity to captain for you the moment I saw Kane Williamson's name as a retained player. Give Shubman Gill the chance to succeed in all Indian cricket formats and to enjoy another successful season in the IPL, De Villiers stated on his YouTube channel.

Regarded as the next big thing in Indian cricket, Gill led the league in runs scored during the final IPL season, amassing 890 runs, including three centuries, to claim the Orange Cap. He was essential to Gujarat's run to the championship game, where they were defeated by the Chennai Super Kings earlier in the season.

De Villiers went on to say that while the Titans may benefit from Gill's selection as captain, it would have been better for him to learn from Williamson if they had waited another season.

They made the decision to make him the captain. I'm not saying it's incorrect; it might just work out. I'm saying that Shubman had a great opportunity to learn a little bit and understand that he will be the captain in 2025. Still, I can't wait to see him play and take the lead," the former RCB player continued.