In an eye-catching twist to India’s squad announcement for the final three Tests against England, five players from IPL franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) have earned places in the national team, sparking chatter that Shubman Gill’s rising influence as vice-captain is already reshaping the squad’s look — and fans are calling it “Gill’s GT Brigade”!
The BCCI confirmed the 18-member squad late last night, sticking with a largely settled core but including several Gujarat Titans stars whose stellar IPL and domestic performances have carried them into the Test team. Among them are Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Wriddhiman Saha, Sai Sudharsan (standby), and Rahul Tewatia (standby) — a remarkable reflection of the Titans’ growing footprint on Indian cricket.
Shubman Gill, vice-captain of the Test side and Gujarat Titans’ star batter, has emerged as the face of the franchise since Hardik Pandya’s move back to Mumbai Indians. Insiders say selectors are impressed not just by GT players’ IPL form, but by their temperament and match awareness — traits seen as crucial to counter England’s Bazball approach.
Here’s the GT contingent in India’s squad:
✅ Shubman Gill – Test vice-captain, expected to anchor India’s top order and provide stability.
✅ Mohammed Shami – Senior pacer (subject to fitness clearance) who was retained in the squad despite injury concerns, highlighting his importance.
✅ Wriddhiman Saha (WK) – Veteran wicketkeeper included as a standby option with invaluable experience in English conditions.
✅ Sai Sudharsan (Standby) – The stylish left-hander who has impressed across formats, added as cover for the batting group.
✅ Rahul Tewatia (Standby) – Utility all-rounder who continues to stay in selectors’ radar thanks to his IPL heroics.
Fans exploded online with hashtags like #GTBrigade, #GillArmy, and #IndiaVsEngland trending within minutes of the announcement, with many dubbing Gujarat Titans the new “talent factory” of Indian cricket. Memes poured in celebrating the GT influence, especially since Gill himself is seen as the leader of this group both for the Titans and potentially for India’s future.
Experts have welcomed the selection, with former India spinner Harbhajan Singh saying, “Gujarat Titans have shown they can nurture players who handle big moments. This squad has the right mix to take on England’s aggression.”
Will Gill’s GT Brigade help India clinch the series and silence Bazball once and for all?