Nishant Sindhu Credits Gill, Dhoni for Shaping His Game at Gujarat Titans

All-rounder reveals how young captain and CSK legend continue to guide his cricket journey

Gujarat Titans all-rounder Nishant Sindhu has opened up about his rapid evolution as a cricketer, crediting the influence of young captain Shubman Gill and MS Dhoni—the legendary former CSK skipper—for shaping his approach to the game. In a candid conversation, Sindhu also shed light on the tight-knit culture at the franchise that won the IPL title in its debut season.

Sindhu, who was picked up by Gujarat Titans for 30 lakhs, acknowledged the profound impact his teammates have had on his development. "The atmosphere here is like a family. Every player supports each other," he said, emphasising the collaborative environment that has helped him settle into the franchise quickly.

Learning from Gill's Maturity

Despite his youth, Shubman Gill has made an impression on the all-rounder through his tactical acumen and professionalism. Sindhu revealed that he carefully studies the captain's routine and pre-match preparations, drawing lessons that go beyond the field.

"At such a young age, he has matured himself a lot. He has also captained the Indian team," Sindhu observed. "I carefully observe his routine and pre-match preparations and learn a lot from him." The young captain's disciplined approach to match preparation has become a template that Sindhu actively follows.

Dhoni's Calm Under Pressure

When asked about handling pressure situations, Sindhu immediately referenced the influence of MS Dhoni. While Dhoni is no longer at Gujarat Titans, his impact on Indian cricket remains evident in players across franchises.

"I learned hard work and discipline from him. Staying calm during pressure situations and focusing on your game is most important," Sindhu explained. This principle has become central to how he navigates tight moments in matches—a critical skill for an all-rounder expected to contribute across phases of play.

All-rounder's Growth Path

Sindhu also credited Washington Sundar, a fellow all-rounder at the franchise, as someone he regularly engages with for strategic discussions. "We discuss a lot about matches and batting," he said, highlighting the peer learning that happens within the squad.

The all-rounder's development trajectory reflects the broader strength of Gujarat Titans' support system. The franchise has invested heavily in creating an environment where younger players can absorb lessons from both senior figures and contemporaries.

From U-19 Glory to IPL

Sindhu's cricket résumé includes captaining India to victory at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022—a milestone that shaped his leadership perspective. He credited strong team bonding forged over multiple tournaments, including the Challenger Trophy and Asia Cup, for their success.

"Our team bonding was very good. That's why it was easy for us to understand each other in the World Cup," Sindhu recalled. The experience of playing against multiple opponents provided the squad with comprehensive knowledge of opponents' strengths and weaknesses.

Family Foundation

Behind Sindhu's sporting journey lies considerable support from his father, who transitioned from a career in boxing to becoming a teacher. Rather than pressuring his son toward academics, his father actively encouraged him to pursue cricket from childhood.

"He supported us a lot. He never pressured us for academics. My father himself used to box and wanted me to excel in sports," Sindhu shared. This approach gave the young cricketer the mental space to develop his skills without conflict between academic and sporting pursuits.

Looking Ahead

As Sindhu continues his journey with Gujarat Titans, the lessons he draws from Gill's captaincy, Dhoni's temperament, and his own experiences in representative cricket will be instrumental in his evolution as a match-winner. The franchise's family-like atmosphere appears to have provided the ideal platform for an all-rounder keen on learning at every opportunity.