Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra has highlighted the major difference between Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya as captains.
Gill took over as Gujarat Titans captain after Pandya left the franchise for Mumbai Indians. Under Hardik Pandya and Nehra, GT won the IPL title in 2022 and reached the final again in 2023. Gill then guided the team to the IPL final in 2026.
Nehra described the two leaders as completely different personalities, comparing them to the north pole and south pole.
Both of them were not somebody who has done much captaincy, but you learn on your way forward, Ashish Nehra said.
The former India pacer explained that Pandya was very open during their time together at Gujarat Titans. He trusted Nehra and was willing to discuss things whenever something did not go according to plan.
Gill, meanwhile, has a quieter approach. Nehra described the India captain as more reserved but said he is keen to learn, observe and improve. He also stressed that there is no right or wrong personality for a captain.
He is somebody who is very keen to learn and keen to observe, Nehra said about Gill.
Nehra also believes Gill still has plenty to learn as a leader. The 27 year old has only had limited captaincy experience at the highest level, but he is already leading India in both Tests and ODIs.
Of course, he is a work in progress, Nehra said, adding that Gill will get better with experience.
The comparison also shows how differently two successful captains can operate.
Hardik Pandya relied heavily on communication and trust, while Gill has taken a more reserved and observant approach. For Nehra, the important point is that both players are still developing as leaders.
