IPL 2026: Pujara says Shubman Gill’s World Cup snub ‘will get him excited’

Cheteshwar Pujara thinks Shubman Gill After missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad, there is perfect motivation to perform well in IPL 2026.Speaking on JioHotstar, Pujara backed the Gujarat Titans skipper in his strong response and stressed that Gill remains an all-round, multi-format player who can return to the India T20I squad with a stellar performance this season.“The snub from the T20 World Cup squad will definitely irritate Shubman Gill. He is a good player suitable for all three formats. If he performs well in the IPL 2026 season, he will definitely make his name in the Indian T20I team. He is the leading man in the Test team and also captains the ODIs. He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will return to the plans of the Indian team,” Pujara said.Pujara admitted that the omission could bring extra pressure, but also described it as a big opportunity for Gill to showcase his growth in the shortest format. He emphasized that improving the scoring rate will be key.“He will be under some pressure as he has not made it into the Indian team in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a good opportunity for him to continue batting in his own way. He needs to try to accelerate more because that is something he has been working on. This IPL season is the perfect season for him to show that he can bat at a strike rate of 150 to 160,” he added.Explaining why Gujarat Titans are title contenders, Pujara highlighted the consistency and firepower of their top line-up, which includes Gill, Sai Sudarsan and Jos Buttler.“GT look to be favorites to win the title this season. If you look at their line-up, the top order of captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarsan and Jos Buttler is incredible. You couldn’t have had a better top order than them. The trio have scored with amazing consistency. That’s their main advantage,” he said.He also pointed to the depth provided by all-rounders, especially the addition of Jason Holder, while identifying Rahul Tewatia as the team’s primary finisher and Shah Rukh Khan as a potential game-changer.“The all-rounders they have, especially with the addition of Jason Holder, make them even stronger. Holder is in excellent form with both bat and ball and is willing to contribute in both areas. Rahul Tewatia will be their main finisher. He can throw a few rounds if needed, but his primary role is to make plays at the six or seven. Shah Rukh Khan is also a key figure. If he starts fulfilling his potential, GT will be a different team entirely,” Pujara said.On the bowling front, Pujara highlighted the strength of GT’s pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, along with an experienced bench and a diverse lineup.“When it comes to bowling, their strength is the seamer. Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are their main pacers and Ishant Sharma will also be on the bench if required. Ashok Sharma will Unleash his fiery pace at some point this season. Left-hander Luke Wood is another seamer who knows how to do well. Wood can replace him if Rabada doesn’t perform well but I hope Rabada, a strike bowler, has a good IPL. All GT fans will have the same hope,” he concluded.Gujarat Titans will start their IPL 2026 season on March 31 in Mullanpur against Kings XI Punjab. They will then face Kings XI Punjab at home rajasthan royals on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, followed by an away match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 8. The next match will be against Lucknow Super Giants on April 12 in Lucknow.