The grand celebration took place at Boxpark, Gota, on September 8, where fans gathered to witness the unveiling of a unique tribute to the young cricketer, marking the special occasion. The event also featured fan contests, GT hampers, and a dedicated wall for supporters to pen their birthday messages for the Indian cricket prodigy.
The decision to back Gill as captain comes at a critical time for the franchise, especially after a disappointing IPL season last year. Gujarat Titans, who had previously won the title in their maiden 2022 season under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, failed to even make it to the playoffs in the 2023 season, finishing eighth in the league stages.
Many speculated that Gill's future as captain was in question after the team's underwhelming performance, especially since he was handed the reins after Pandya was traded to Mumbai Indians.
Gill, who is widely regarded as a future superstar of Indian cricket, did not have the smoothest of seasons last year, and his omission from the T20 World Cup squad further added to the scrutiny. Despite his obvious potential and promise, his recent performances have raised eyebrows, particularly in the Duleep Trophy where he managed only 25 runs in his latest outing for India A. The skipper was clean-bowled by Navdeep Saini, who dismantled his off stump with a deadly inswinger.
However, Gujarat Titans are not ready to give up on their young leader just yet. By backing him with such a grand birthday celebration, the franchise has made it clear that they believe in Gill's potential to grow into a leader capable of taking them back to the top. The art installation, which will remain on display for a week, is not just a celebration of his birthday but also a statement of faith in his future.
As Shubman Gill steps into his 25th year, Gujarat Titans are sending a clear message to fans and critics alike: their captain may have had his struggles, but they stand firmly behind him.