Following an impressive performance in England, where he amassed 754 runs in five Test matches, including four centuries and the ‘Player of the Series’ award, Shubman Gill’s selection for the Asia Cup 2025 was anticipated. However, recent reports suggest his inclusion in India’s T20I squad is not guaranteed. Gill, whose last T20I appearance was in July 2024, has been absent from recent T20 series against England, Bangladesh, and South Africa. Despite a successful IPL 2025 season, where he scored 650 runs with a strike rate of 156 and six fifties, his spot in the Asia Cup squad is under consideration. The primary concern is the established T20I batting order. Integrating Gill could potentially displace players like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, or Tilak Varma, which the selection committee may be hesitant to do. While his Test and IPL form are exceptional, his T20I career with India has been inconsistent, with 578 runs in 21 matches. As India prepares for the Asia Cup, set to begin on September 10 against the UAE, the selection committee faces a critical decision regarding Gill’s role, particularly with the possibility of him being considered as vice-captain and a future ODI leader.
