Kane Williamson Backs Gujarat Titans Star To Lead India In The Future. It's Not Hardik Pandya

New Zealand's batting mainstay Kane Williamson sees leadership roles for India and Gujarat Titans batter Shubman Gill in the future, calling him a "special player". Williamson said it was a matter of time before he blossomed on the international scene. "He had an incredible year, but you could always see that it was only a matter of time, the quality that he has, and that we have seen for a few years now," Williamson said on Wednesday.

"And just to have those experiences that you need to have as a young, extremely talented player and really put it together on the international stage and endorsed obviously in the IPL as well, like I say, it was a matter of time." Asked if he looks at Gill as a future leader, the New Zealander responded in the positive.

"Yeah, most probably, I've only really just seen Shubman, played against them for a few years. And you could see the quality that he has, he's a really strong competitor as well.

"So I'm sure he would be learning a lot from a number of leaders that he's been able to play under for a few years. He has a great understanding of the game. So, I suppose naturally, there might be leadership positions that might come his way."

Excited about IPL's new 'Impact Player' rule

Williamson is excited to see how the newly-introduced 'Impact Player' rule pans out, saying it will bring different dynamics to the game and change the way a team decides its playing XI.

Under the 'Impact Player' rule, a batter or bowler can be replaced in the middle of the game as per the match situation, to make it more exciting.

"It's quite a different dynamic. And often, when you're picking teams, you're always sort of weighing up one role or another. And yet, you kind of shape your side a certain way that