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Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain as India Announce Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Gill Returns to T20I Setup in Leadership Role
Shubman Gill has made a strong return to India’s T20I squad, stepping straight into a leadership position as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. The 25-year-old opener, who missed India’s last T20I assignment against England, has been rewarded with added responsibility alongside skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
India’s 15-man squad for the continental event includes three frontline openers – Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson – while notable omissions are Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma has secured his spot as the backup wicketkeeper.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Official 15-Man Team List
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Suryakumar Yadav (c)
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Shubman Gill (vc)
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Sanju Samson
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Abhishek Sharma
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Tilak Varma
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Rinku Singh
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Hardik Pandya
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Shivam Dube
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Axar Patel
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Jitesh Sharma
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Harshit Rana
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Arshdeep Singh
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Varun Chakaravarthy
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Jasprit Bumrah
Standby Players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India, who are eight-time Asia Cup champions, will begin their campaign against UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10.
For more updates on India’s squad selections, check our latest Indian cricket news.
Gill’s Form and Leadership Journey
Shubman Gill’s place in the shortest format had been under the scanner, especially after Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson impressed during recent series against Bangladesh, South Africa, and England. However, Gill’s outstanding run in the IPL 2025 ensured his return to the national setup.
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Gill amassed 650 runs in IPL 2025 at a blistering strike rate of 155.87, guiding Gujarat Titans to the playoffs.
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His consistency and ability to accelerate in pressure situations have silenced critics who questioned his T20 approach.
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Earlier this year, Gill also took charge of India’s Test team during the England series, showcasing his leadership credentials in the longest format.
Now, as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy, Gill is expected to play a dual role – stabilizing India’s top order and offering tactical inputs as part of the leadership group.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Return Strengthens the Pace Attack
One of the biggest boosts for India ahead of the Asia Cup is the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who was India’s Player of the Series at the 2024 T20 World Cup. He replaces senior pacer Mohammed Shami in the squad.
India’s Bowling Depth
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Pace Options: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya.
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Spin Options: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, with Abhishek Sharma offering part-time spin.
The blend of experience and youth provides India with a balanced bowling lineup suited for UAE conditions, which typically favor spinners while also offering assistance to fast bowlers under lights.
Asia Cup 2025: A Key Test Before Global Events
The Asia Cup serves as a crucial preparatory tournament for India ahead of major ICC events, offering opportunities to fine-tune combinations and evaluate bench strength. With Suryakumar Yadav leading and Shubman Gill deputizing, the tournament could also provide a glimpse into India’s future leadership plans.
Fans and experts alike will closely watch how India’s squad performs, especially with fresh faces like Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy joining experienced campaigners.
For an external detailed breakdown of Asia Cup 2025 squads and fixtures, visit ESPNcricinfo’s Asia Cup coverage.
