Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain in India T20I Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Gill Reinstated in T20I Leadership Role
Shubman Gill has been reinstated as vice-captain in the India T20I cricket squad for the Asia Cup 2025, replacing Axar Patel. The 15-member squad, announced on Tuesday by the selection committee, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are other top-order options, but with Gill as deputy, he remains the frontrunner to open the batting.
Agarkar Confirms Leadership Backing
“We see leadership qualities in him, and his form in England exceeded expectations under immense pressure,” chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said in Mumbai, backing the decision to name Shubman Gill vice-captain.
Squad Composition and Key Options
India’s batting strength features Suryakumar, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, who may take the gloves if Gill and Abhishek open. All-rounders Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube provide balance, while the bowling attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana, who adds batting depth.
Jaiswal and Iyer Miss Out
Yashasvi Jaiswal was excluded from the main squad and is among five reserves, alongside Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel. Despite scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025 and leading Punjab Kings to the final, Shreyas Iyer also did not cut.
“With Yashasvi, it’s just unfortunate. Abhishek offers batting and bowling depth, so one had to miss out,” Agarkar explained. “As for Shreyas, who does he replace? It’s not his fault, but we can only pick 15.”
Gill’s Road Back to T20Is
Gill last held the vice-captain role during India’s T20I tour of Sri Lanka in July 2024, but was then rested from the shortest format to focus on Tests and ODIs. His return is backed by stellar form — including key contributions in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, a record-breaking Test series in England, and 650 runs at a strike rate of 155.87 for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025.
Suryakumar Yadav welcomed his deputy: “Last time post T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Gill was my vice-captain. He then focused on the Tests and the Champions Trophy. Now he’s back, and we’re happy to have him in the cricket squad.”
Asia Cup Fixtures and Road to World Cup
India’s first T20I assignment since January’s series against England begins at the Asia Cup. Placed in Group A with Pakistan, Oman, and UAE, they open against UAE in Dubai on September 10, face Pakistan on September 14, and Oman on September 19.
“This is the first big cricket tournament since the 2024 T20 World Cup,” Suryakumar said. “We’ve played bilateral series, but this will test us. After this, there are 20–22 T20Is before the 2026 World Cup. The journey begins with the Asia Cup.”
India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Main Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill (vc), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson.
Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.