Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has tipped Shubman Gill to steal the show at the Asia Cup, predicting the 25-year-old will unleash his aggressive batting to cement his role as T20 vice-captain. Gill’s return to the shortest format follows a stellar debut as Test captain, and Pathan believes this move will strengthen Indian cricket in the long run without rattling current T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

“Suryakumar’s leadership is about nurturing the team, and selecting Gill as vice-captain aligns with that vision. “It’s not pressure—it’s a masterstroke for Indian cricket,” Pathan said during a Sony Sports interaction. He emphasised that Gill, buoyed by his recent IPL run-scoring spree, will aim to “prove a point” with a high-strike-rate approach. “Gill has the range and ability to dominate. He’ll go all out to meet the team’s aggressive demands,” Pathan added.

Rohit Sharma’s ODI Ambition

Pathan also dropped a bombshell about Rohit Sharma, revealing the former captain’s desire to extend his ODI career despite retiring from T20Is and Tests. “Rohit’s keen to keep playing ODIs. He’s cleared tough fitness tests, proving his commitment,” Pathan shared. However, he cautioned that securing game time could be a hurdle for veterans like Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami. “Motivation isn’t an issue, but how much cricket they can play in their chosen format is the real challenge,” he noted.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Set to Lead India’s ODI Team, Claims Aakash Chopra!

Varun Chakravarthy: The X-Factor

Pathan singled out spinner Varun Chakravarthy as India’s potential game-changer in the Asia Cup. After a lacklustre 2021 T20 World Cup, Pathan believes Chakravarthy is primed for a redemption arc. “He’s brimming with confidence and could bring that X-factor. My eyes are on him,” Pathan said, highlighting the mystery spinner’s chance to shine.

Workload Management Woes

Pathan also weighed in on workload management, stressing that key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah shouldn’t be rested during crucial series. “Managing workload is fine, but not mid-series. You won’t get results if you do that,” he said, referencing Pat Cummins’ approach of prioritising major tournaments like the Ashes.

With Gill’s aggression, Rohit’s resolve, and Chakravarthy’s redemption on the horizon, the Asia Cup promises to be a thrilling chapter for Indian cricket.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain as India Unveils Asia Cup Squad