Shubman Gill is part of the tentative list for Asia Cup 2025, but the Test skipper is facing a fair share of competition for his spot, as the BCCI is expected to take a call on this soon.
Shubman Gill in Contention for Asia Cup 2025 Amidst Intense Selection Battle
A return to T20Is is a near possibility for the captain, however he last played a T20I in 2024 against Sri Lanka in a bilateral series. Notably, he missed the T20 World Cup 2024 and several key series thereafter due to his commitments in the ODI and Test formats.
The right-hand batter consistently had a strong IPL season, often scoring over 500 runs for the Gujarat Titans However, the intense competition might have kept him from making a comeback in this format.
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Since this Asia Cup is a multinational tournament and the selectors are focused on preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Shubman Gill has emerged among the probables, especially after his performance in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
According to PTI, it’s also been reported that Yashasvi Jaiswal is in contention alongside Gill. He, too, could return to the T20I squad, having been out of the limited-overs setup for some time due to his focus on Test cricket.
Top-Order Crowded as Selectors Weigh Options Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Meanwhile, Selectors face tough decisions with one eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup. India’s current T20I opening batters are Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who have both performed consistently. While Abhishek’s spot appears secure, Sanju Samson is on the verge of being dropped due to ongoing fitness concerns and a dip in form during the recent IPL season.
Then there’s Sai Sudharsan, who had a standout IPL season, winning nearly every trophy and clinching the Orange Cap. He, too, is in contention for a top-three spot. With nearly five players vying for those positions, selectors are expected to make some tight calls, especially since only a maximum 17-member squad is allowed to travel for the Asia Cup 2025.
The same level of competition might continue in the bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah’s return will depend on his fitness test, while Mohammed Siraj, who missed a few T20Is due to Test and ODI duties, Mohammed Siraj also awaits fitness clearance. This comes after bowling over 180 overs across five Tests in the recently concluded India tour of England. However, the bowling unit is expected to be built around top wicket-taking bowler Arshdeep Singh for the Asia Cup 2025.
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