Debate over Gujarat Titans’ dominance in the Indian team

A debate has erupted on social media after India announced its 15 member squad, which included seven players from Gujarat Titans. The discussion intensified when captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat, fielding a playing XI that featured six Gujarat Titans players, leading fans to question the team composition online.

India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate addressed concerns about players adapting from IPL to Test cricket conditions. He said that managing players’ sleep cycles and adjusting their training routines, including early gym sessions, was a key focus to help them transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket in hot daytime conditions of 34–35°C over a five-day Test.

In the match setup, Sai Sudharsan was expected to play at the No. 3 batting position, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and debutant Manav Suthar were included in the XI. Mohammed Siraj, returning from injury, also featured as a key bowler. Fans, however, questioned Shubman Gill’s selection approach, claiming preference for Gujarat Titans players such as Sai Sudharsan, Gill, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.