Summery
Shubman Gill Shines Bright: Returns as Vice-Captain in India’s T20I Squad for Asia Cup 2025 – India’s cricket fans have a reason to celebrate as star opener Shubman Gill makes a powerful comeback to the T20I squad. The 25-year-old has been appointed vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, marking his return to the shortest format after a gap. With his consistent form across formats and leadership qualities, Gill is set to play a key role alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav as India kicks off its T20 journey leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Shubman Gill’s Comeback and Vice-Captaincy Role
Shubman Gill last played T20Is for India in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, when he was also named vice-captain. Since then, India managed his workload by prioritising him in Test matches and ODIs, where he excelled. His stellar run in the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph and his record-breaking 650-run tally in the IPL 2025 with a strike rate of 155.87 showcased his explosive batting ability.
The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, confirmed that Gill’s return was based on both form and leadership qualities. “We see leadership qualities in him, and his form in England exceeded all expectations,” Agarkar stated. His presence as vice-captain not only strengthens India’s top order but also provides a calm, strategic mind alongside Suryakumar Yadav.
Squad Overview: Balance of Youth and Experience
India’s 15-member Asia Cup squad blends experience with youthful energy. The opening options include Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson. The middle order is packed with match-winners such as Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, with the latter also being the frontrunner for the wicketkeeping role.
The all-rounder department looks solid with Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, giving the team flexibility in both batting and bowling. On the bowling front, India will rely on Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana, ensuring a balanced pace-spin attack.
Interestingly, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, despite strong performances, missed out from the main squad. Jaiswal was named among the reserves along with Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel. Iyer, who had an impressive IPL 2025 season with 604 runs at a strike rate of 175, was unlucky to be left out due to the limited spots.
Key Matches and Group Stage Schedule
India is placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Oman, and UAE. The team begins its campaign against UAE in Dubai on September 10, 2025, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14, 2025, also in Dubai. Their final group-stage match will be against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19, 2025.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav stressed the importance of this tournament:
“This is the first big tournament after the 2024 T20 World Cup. It’s the perfect opportunity to test ourselves before the 2026 World Cup, with nearly 20 T20Is lined up ahead.”
Why Shubman Gill’s Return Matters
Gill’s return adds depth and reliability at the top of the order. Known for his classy strokeplay, consistency, and leadership temperament, he brings both stability and aggression. His presence also boosts India’s chances of fine-tuning their best XI before the World Cup. Moreover, his vice-captaincy highlights the management’s vision to groom him as a future leader in Indian cricket.
India’s Full Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
- Hardik Pandya
- Arshdeep Singh
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jitesh Sharma
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Rinku Singh
- Sanju Samson
Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel
Shubman Gill Returns as Vice-Captain: Conclusion
Shubman Gill’s comeback as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025 is a positive sign for Indian cricket, both in terms of batting firepower and future leadership. With a balanced squad, India is ready to test combinations and build momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Fans can expect exciting cricket, and all eyes will be on Gill as he steps into a pivotal role once again.
Note: All images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Shubman Gill Returns as Vice-Captain: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is the vice-captain of India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025?
Shubman Gill has been named the vice-captain of India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025. This marks his return to the shortest format after nearly a year, with the selectors backing him for both his form and leadership qualities.
2. Who is leading India in the Asia Cup 2025?
The Indian T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025 will be captained by Suryakumar Yadav, who continues to lead the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
3. Why was Yashasvi Jaiswal not included in the main squad?
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named among the reserves for the Asia Cup. According to the selectors, Abhishek Sharma’s recent performances and his ability to contribute with the ball gave him the edge. Jaiswal will have to wait for his chance.
4. Why was Shreyas Iyer left out despite his strong IPL 2025 performance?
Shreyas Iyer, who scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025, could not find a spot in the 15-member squad due to limited slots. The selection committee admitted it was unfortunate but emphasized that squad balance was the key factor.
5. When will India play its first match in the Asia Cup 2025?
India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against UAE in Dubai on September 10, 2025. Their second match will be the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14, 2025, followed by a game against Oman on September 19, 2025.
6. What role will Shubman Gill play in the Asia Cup 2025?
As vice-captain and opener, Shubman Gill is expected to play a key role at the top of the order. With his recent form in Tests, ODIs, and the IPL, he is considered India’s frontrunner for an opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson.
7. How many all-rounders are in India’s squad for the Asia Cup?
India has included three all-rounders in the squad: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, giving the team depth and balance in both batting and bowling departments.
8. What is India’s overall plan leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup?
According to captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Asia Cup is the first major tournament after the 2024 T20 World Cup. India will play nearly 20–22 T20I matches before the 2026 edition, making this event an important starting point to test combinations and build momentum.