IPL 2026: Shubman Gill’s captaincy left a bit to be desired, says Aakash Chopra

Punjab Kings began their IPL 2026 campaign with a nervy three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans, but the narrow finish has already sparked scrutiny over Shubman Gill’s leadership, even as Punjab’s execution drew praise.

Chasing a modest target, Punjab rode on a composed knock from Cooper Connolly to get over the line, sealing yet another winning start to their season. The result marked Punjab’s sixth consecutive opening-game victory in the league — a statistic that underscores their ability to start strong, even if consistency has often eluded them later in campaigns.

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Reflecting on the game, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted Punjab’s clinical approach, particularly with the ball and in leadership calls.

"This is their sixth consecutive season where they have won their opening game. In a tournament like the IPL, you don’t overthink the two points you’ve earned, you take them and move on. There will always be learnings, but it’s far better to learn after a win than after a loss. The positives were plenty, especially with the bowling, it was spot on." he said.

"The captaincy was outstanding as well, using just five bowlers and rotating them smartly. Cooper Connolly, a young Australian batter, came in and took centre stage to guide the team home. Yes, they could have finished the game earlier, but in the end, it’s the two points that matter. By the end of the season, people will only talk about points and net run-rate, not how you got them," added Chopra.

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While Punjab ticked several boxes, Gujarat Titans were left with more questions than answers after letting the game slip. Their top order failed to provide the foundation, leaving the middle order with too much to do — a recurring concern for the side.

"For Gujarat Titans, the top three will have to fire because they are not giving themselves the opportunity to figure out a different way. Not many would believe it, but Glenn Phillips’ 25 is actually his highest score in the IPL so far. You would want him to contribute more consistently, and Washington Sundar also needs to score at a quicker rate because he seemed a bit stuck. They have continued with Shahrukh Khan, but I felt Kumar Kushagra also had a case for selection," said Aakash Chopra.

Chopra was particularly critical of Gujarat’s batting structure and in-game decision-making, pointing to both personnel choices and tactical lapses.

"GT need to rethink how their 4, 5, and 6 are structured. Even the bowling plans were puzzling. Siraj still had two overs left when the game was almost done, and Prasidh Krishna was brought in quite late. Overall, Shubman Gill’s captaincy also left a bit to be desired," he said.

The Titans’ bowling strategy, in particular, came under the lens, with key resources seemingly underutilised at crucial moments — a factor that may have tilted the game in Punjab’s favour in the closing stages.

Connolly’s innings, however, stood out not just for its impact but for the maturity it showed under pressure. Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar noted how the young Australian adapted his approach as the chase evolved.

"In the initial stages of his innings, Connolly benefited from a bit of over-execution by the Gujarat Titans bowlers, who offered plenty of pace on the ball. On that surface, they could have used more variations. Connolly capitalised on anything around his body line and kept the scoreboard moving. Early on, it looked like he would run away with the game. However, after a couple of wickets fell in the middle overs, he showed maturity by curbing his natural instincts and ensuring he finished the game. That was a very encouraging sign," said Bangar.

For Punjab Kings, the result offers early momentum and reinforces a familiar pattern — strong starts that set the tone. For Gujarat Titans, however, the defeat exposes early cracks, from batting depth to tactical clarity, with their captain already under the spotlight after just one game.

As the tournament unfolds, Punjab will look to build on a winning template, while Gujarat must quickly reassess combinations and leadership decisions to avoid slipping behind in a tightly contested league.