Shubman Gill poised for vice-captaincy in India’s Asia Cup T20I squad

Shubman Gill is emerging as a strong contender for a leadership role in India’s T20I team for the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in the UAE next month. This development comes despite his absence from India’s last three T20I series against Bangladesh, South Africa, and England.

Two key factors are driving the selectors’ interest in Gill not just as a batter but as a potential leader. Firstly, since India’s T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies last June, the team has not fielded a full-strength T20I squad. Gill was not part of that World Cup-winning side but captained a young team on the subsequent Zimbabwe tour and later served as vice-captain during the Sri Lanka series. As workload in other formats particularly Test cricket increased, the selectors opted to rest him from T20Is.

In his absence, openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson thrived, scoring multiple centuries. However, after Gill’s outstanding leadership during the five-Test series in England-where he amassed 754 runs-keeping him out of major tournaments like the Asia Cup has become increasingly unlikely.

According to sources, decision-makers favour having a single captain across all formats. While Suryakumar Yadav remains firmly in place as T20I skipper, Gill’s inclusion in the leadership group now seems inevitable, with a vice-captaincy role for the Asia Cup on the cards.

Indian cricket often prefers captains who excel in all formats and carry significant market appeal an area where Gill’s growing brand value works in his favour. Former selector Devang Gandhi said, “The messaging has to be clear about who takes over after Suryakumar Yadav. Split captaincy rarely works for India; stability is key. Gill has proven himself as a batter and has IPL leadership experience.”

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta added that Gill is being groomed for future all-format captaincy. “Sanju Samson has performed well but struggled against a full-strength England side. Gill’s ability to anchor innings in pressure situations makes him ideal for slower UAE pitches. If the selectors are planning beyond the Asia Cup, they must decide if Axar Patel ranks above Gill," he said.

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