As India’s national selection committee prepares to finalize the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, a significant dilemma looms: how to integrate Test captain Shubman Gill into a thriving T20 setup. Despite Gill’s prolific form, including a standout performance in the recent England Test series, his inclusion in the T20 squad remains uncertain, highlighting the depth of talent in Indian cricket.
India’s T20 team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, boasts an impressive 85% win rate, securing 17 victories in their last 20 matches without Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom were sidelined by Test commitments. The top-order trio of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma has excelled, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and IPL Orange Cap winner Sai Sudharsan also vie for spots, creating a logjam of six high-caliber batters for just three positions.
The selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, faces a complex balancing act. One perspective within the team management argues that displacing current regulars to accommodate a star like Gill would be unfair, given the squad’s success. Conversely, others view Gill as a future all-format captain and a marketable brand, making his inclusion strategically vital. Gill previously served as Yadav’s vice-captain before Test duties took precedence, with Axar Patel stepping into the role. Reinstating Gill as deputy could create tension, as Patel has performed admirably.
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Including Gill in the squad would likely require him to play in the starting XI, potentially displacing Samson, Sharma, or Varma. Alternatively, selectors might consider dropping Rinku Singh, whose form has dipped under head coach Gautam Gambhir, who does not favor designated finishers.
In the bowling department, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh are automatic picks for the pace attack, with Harshit Rana favored for the reserve seamer role over red-ball specialists Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj. The latter two are being preserved for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, starting October 2, which may see Bumrah rested.
The spin department is equally competitive, with Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav as leading contenders, alongside Washington Sundar, favored for his all-round skills. Despite Yuzvendra Chahal’s experience, he remains overlooked. The pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to offer reasonable assistance to spinners, influencing selections.
For the wicketkeeper-batter role, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rishabh Pant sidelined by injuries, Shivam Dube is a near-certain pick as the second seam-bowling all-rounder. Jitesh Sharma holds an edge over Dhruv Jurel for the second keeper’s slot, bolstered by his impactful lower-order performances in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL-winning campaign.
As the selectors convene on August 19, the debate over Gill’s inclusion underscores India’s enviable T20 talent pool. With the Asia Cup serving as a key preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the committee must weigh immediate team cohesion against long-term leadership and branding goals, making this one of the most anticipated squad announcements in recent times.
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