With Shubman Gill’s name announced in India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025, the fans and the experts seem to be divided. While we have Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma putting in some notable performances, Gill, alongside the captain Suryakumar Yadav, was picked as the vice-captain.
After IPL, Gill’s performance in the Test series against England was commendable. Not only did Gill exceed expectations, but he also proved his leadership capabilities.
While there are reasons to worry about how it might stall Suryakumar’s momentum since the T20 World Cup 2024 and foster insecurities, Suryakumar himself supporting Gill’s appointment alleviates such concerns. Additionally, Suryakumar has emphasized how the selectors see the bigger picture of grooming Gill as the future captain.
Given his previous experience as vice-captain and the leadership responsibilities he took on recently in the Test matches, Gill is well-suited for this role. This is a strategic decision with an eye on the future of the team.
Gill’s T20 Return Won’t Pressure Suryakumar Yadav, Says Irfan Pathan
India’s former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has commented on the selection of Shubman Gill for the T20I side, which is under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. He believes that the inclusion of Gill in the team will not exert any pressure on the captain, as he is not worried about competition from any player. Gill is being reappointed as the vice-captain for this side for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is why he is reselected for the T20I side after a year.
“Shubman was the vice-captain, and then he started playing Test cricket and got busy. The decision to appoint Shubman Gill as vice-captain would not have happened without Surya’s consent. His approval was definitely there. This also means that Surya is aware of the bigger picture. As much as I know him, he’s 34 now and understands that his responsibility goes beyond just performing on the field — he has to take care of the team and also help grow leadership within it. I believe he’s started doing that,” said Pathan to Sony Sports India.
