Shubman Gill named India’s T20I vice-captain for Asia Cup

Shubman Gill has returned to India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup, taking over as vice-captain from Axar Patel in the 15-member team announced by the selection committee on Tuesday. The squad will be led by Suryakumar Yadav and features Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as additional opening choices, though Gill is expected to secure a top-order spot.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar highlighted Gill’s strong performances in England, praising his leadership qualities under pressure. The middle and lower order options include Suryakumar, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, who could be first-choice wicketkeeper if Gill opens with Abhishek. Allrounders Axar, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube add balance, while the bowling attack consists of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana, who also offers batting depth.

Notably absent from the main squad are Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. Jaiswal was named among five reserves with Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel, while Iyer, despite an excellent IPL 2025 season leading Punjab Kings to the final, missed selection due to limited spots. Agarkar said both players must wait for future opportunities, as the current 15 had already been finalized.