IPL 2026: Who is Nishant Sindhu? Gujarat Titans hand debut to India U-19 World Cup winner

Gujarat Titans handed a maiden IPL appearance to young all-rounder Nishant Sindhu during their clash against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the inclusion at the toss after opting to bowl first.

Explaining the decision, Gill pointed to the team’s recent success while chasing and their desire to build on that rhythm. “We’ve been chasing well in the past few games, so we’ll continue with the momentum,” he said. He also reflected on the importance of finishing games strongly, praising Rahul Tewatia’s impact in the previous match. Gill added that the surface might offer early help for bowlers and stressed that the team is aiming to peak at the right stage of the tournament. “I think it’s all about peaking at the right time, and I feel our best game is yet to come. Nishant Sindhu makes his debut,” he confirmed.

Sindhu, a talented all-rounder from Haryana, is known for his left-handed batting along with his slow left-arm orthodox bowling. He first rose to prominence during the 2018-19 U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he amassed 572 runs and claimed 23 wickets, playing a decisive role in Haryana lifting the title.

His progress continued at the international junior level, where he was part of India’s triumphant squad at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup. During the tournament, he contributed in both departments, picking up six wickets in five matches and also scoring an important half-century.

At the domestic level, Sindhu made his first-class debut in the 2022 Ranji Trophy and later featured in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His consistent performances earned him IPL contracts with Chennai Super Kings in 2023 and 2024, although he did not get an opportunity to play during those seasons.