IPL 2026: Shubman Gill’s World Cup snub ‘will fire him up’, says Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara believes Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup snub will fuel a stellar IPL 2026, urging him to boost his strike rate. Pujara hails Gujarat Titans' formidable top order, featuring Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler, as key to their title aspirations. He also highlights the team's all-round depth and potent pace attack.
Cheteshwar Pujara believes Shubman Gill has the perfect motivation to deliver a standout campaign in IPL 2026 after missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pujara backed the Gujarat Titans captain to respond strongly, stressing that Gill remains a complete, multi-format player who can force his way back into India’s T20I setup with a strong showing this season. "The T20 World Cup squad snub will definitely fire up Shubman Gill.
He is a quality player suited for all three formats. If he has a good IPL 2026 season, he will surely put his name in India's T20I squad. He is leading the Test squad and is also the ODI captain.
He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will be back in the scheme of things for the Indian team," Pujara said. Pujara acknowledged that the omission could bring added pressure but also described it as a major opportunity for Gill to showcase his growth in the shortest format.
He emphasised that improving his scoring rate will be key. "There will be some pressure on him because he has not been part of the India squad in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity for him to carry on batting the way he has.