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In a high-octane clash at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Shubman Gill, India‘s newly appointed Test captain, found himself at the centre of attention, but for all the wrong reasons. As the Gujarat Titans locked horns with five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match, expectations from Gill were enormous. Leading Gujarat in what was billed as a marquee encounter, fans anticipated a commanding innings from the elegant right-hander, particularly given his dual role as captain of both franchise and national red-ball cricket. But instead of delivering a statement performance, Gill faltered early, departing for just 13 runs.
Shubman Gill’s early dismissal against CSK in the IPL 2025
With Gill known for his proactive batting in the powerplay, Dhoni set a rare but calculated field, a slip fielder in place during the third over of a T20 game. It was a field placement that screamed Test match cricket, and it caught many by surprise. Right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj, executing Dhoni’s plan to perfection, bowled one that landed on a good length and held its line. Gill, who had just dispatched the previous delivery for a boundary, advanced down the pitch to continue the aggression. However, he misread the subtle seam movement. The result: a thick outside edge that flew straight to Urvil Patel at slip, who made no mistake. The execution was flawless, and the moment was vintage Dhoni, reading the batter, anticipating his move, setting the perfect trap, and watching it unfold with clinical satisfaction. It wasn’t just a wicket; it was a psychological blow to Gujarat, removing their captain and anchor at a critical juncture.
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Online backlash tied to Gill’s overseas struggles
As the cameras cut to Gill walking back with visible frustration, the digital world erupted in a frenzy. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with posts mocking the nature of his dismissal. Many users drew parallels between this slip catch and the dismissals he has suffered in England, where he has repeatedly been undone by seam and swing. For Indian cricket observers, this was more than just an IPL moment it was an eerie reminder of what looms ahead in the English summer. Gill’s technical weaknesses outside the off-stump, especially when the ball moves away from him early in the innings, have become a well-documented concern. Trolls pointed out that the edge to slip was a ‘classic English dismissal,’ sarcastically calling it a ‘warm-up’ for the upcoming Test tour. The trolling may have been lighthearted, but it stemmed from a place of genuine apprehension about India’s captain faltering at the highest level in challenging conditions.
Here’s how fans reacted:
-Swing bowling
-Catch out in the slipNothing just future highlights from Eng series from Prince Gill🔥 pic.twitter.com/7fCLV3SCJe
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) May 25, 2025
No way Shubman Gill dropped that Test innings against CSK just to prove he's the new Test captain of Team India, for real. 😭
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) May 25, 2025
Gill edging practice for England series
— Raghav Nallaperumal (@NRaghavTV) May 25, 2025
Bro just nicked that ball??? Lol. Welcome to England Gill. pic.twitter.com/ze4tCZcA0e
— ANU🚯 (@Anuphobia_007) May 25, 2025
It will be interesting to see how gill will play against England. Today wicket was the glimpses of how he gonna play against England
— akshu akshu (@AkshayaTS4) May 25, 2025
Gill showing glimpses of England already
— AD (@cricadharsh) May 25, 2025
Gill will be getting edged and dismissed in the same way in the upcoming test series against England.#GTvCSK
— Dr. Shubham K | 🇮🇳 (@Kshubham_1907) May 25, 2025
Gill will be butchered left ,right and center if he fails in England this time after scoring so much of runs in IPL.
— *Roe Joot 🦉🇮🇳* (@ImGani22) May 25, 2025
There are two things that you need to know about Gill's dismissal. 1. Gill still hasn't found a way to counter the swing, he is repeating the same mistakes he did in Aus. Twice in this IPL he has been out to pacers like that. 2. Kamboj has been overlooked for the 2nd OS tour now
— Kshitij Ojha (@Kshitij070) May 25, 2025
Pill can't even handle the swing of Anshul Kamboj. Gill the clown batsman 🤡🤡🤡#CSKvsGT pic.twitter.com/K8ZwPC9nVS
— TruthSpreader🌟 (@NotJustARutuFan) May 25, 2025
Gill is already practising for Test match wicket😂.#IPL
— Tejas Naik (@Tejasnaik01) May 25, 2025
Gill after a practice with red ball, lost his wicket to a test match length
Irony like never before 😂
#GTvCSK— . (@kadaipaneer_) May 25, 2025
India’s new Test captain Gill’s overseas record raises red flags
For all of Gill’s grace and promise with the bat, his numbers in overseas Test matches tell a rather sobering story. Across 15 Tests played outside India, Gill has accumulated just 716 runs at an average of 27.54, a figure that significantly pales in comparison to his home average. While he has managed a solitary century and two half-centuries abroad, the larger sample size reveals a persistent struggle. In England specifically, the venue of India’s next major Test assignment, his stats are even more concerning. In 3 matches and 6 innings, Gill has amassed only 88 runs at a dismal average of 14.66, with a highest score of just 28. It’s not just the lack of big scores, but the manner of his dismissals that alarms critics: early edges, tentative footwork, and an inability to adjust to late swing. These are not just technical issues but also mental challenges, particularly for someone now tasked with leading India in a pivotal overseas series. While one cannot write off a young player for a few poor innings, the lack of visible correction over successive tours raises legitimate doubts.
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