India squad for Asia Cup 2025: Shreyas Iyer overlooked, Shubman Gill named vice-captain

The last few days saw debates over whether Shubman Gill would make it to India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup. There were reports claiming that India’s Test captain does not fit into the team management’s scheme of things in T20Is.

But on Tuesday, the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee not only brought Gill back into India’s T20I squad, but also straightaway handed him the vice-captaincy for the Asian tournament, to be held in Dubai next month.

After missing out on the home T20I series against England earlier this year, Gill, along with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, becomes the third front-line opener in the 15-member squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav.

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Though Gill’s position in the format is under scrutiny as Samson and Abhishek have made their presence felt in the series against Bangladesh, South Africa and England, Gill has proved his mettle in the Indian Premier League.

As captain of the Gujarat Titans, he amassed 650 runs at a strike rate of 155.87 in the last edition of the IPL, and also guided the franchise to the Playoffs.

Having recently led India to a 2-2 draw in the Test series against England, Gill’s leadership qualities will add value to the T20I squad.

“Last time, when he played the T20 against Sri Lanka, post the World Cup, he was vice-captain. That’s where we started a new cycle for the T20 World Cup. After that, we got busy with Test cricket, and he didn’t get opportunities. We’re happy to have him,” said Suryakumar.

However, Agarkar did not specify whether Gill would straightaway make it to the playing eleven. “The captain and the coach will take the call on the best balance for the team. Once we get to Dubai, we will have a bit more clarity. More options are available now—Shubman has been in great form anyway over the last few months. So has Sanju. So, there are two good options (in opening), along with Abhishek,” Agarkar said.

While Gill returned to the squad, there was no place for Shreyas Iyer. Despite playing a key role in India’s ODI team and also impressing for Punjab Kings, Shreyas missed out, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The chairman of the selection committee admitted that both missed out despite no fault of theirs.

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“It’s unfortunate. With what Abhishek has done over the last year or so, plus he gives us a bowling option, which is required, one of these guys was always going to miss out,” Agarkar said about Jaiswal, adding: “Again, no fault of his (Shreyas). But you got to tell me who he can replace? At the moment, he will have to wait for his chance…”

Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter, who recently moved to Baroda, was picked as the second wicketkeeper, along with Samson. However, it needs to be seen whether he gets the nod in the final eleven.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s Player of the Series in last year’s T20 World Cup, returned to the squad. His return will bolster a pace unit that also features Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Hardik Pandya. The spin options are Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel, with Abhishek offering part-time cover.

An eight-time champion, India opens its Asia Cup campaign against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10.

While there is much anticipation over India’s blockbuster contest against archrival Pakistan on September 14, questions on how the team would plan for the match, given the geo-political tensions, were not entertained at the press conference.