India Asia Cup squad buzz: Fresh report contradicts Gill speculation; squad announcement likely next week

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15 hours ago

Shubman Gill's possible inclusion in India's Asia Cup 2025 squad or perhaps no recall at all is dominating the news in Indian cricket circles. While most media houses expect Gill to return, a new report claims otherwise.
Shubman Gill may not get picked for Asia Cup 2025, a new report has claimed. Image: PTI
Every day is a new day is a beautiful quote by Ernest Hemingway, and it is proving to be so apt for the rumours surrounding the possible Indian cricket team's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The Asia Cup 2025 will serve as the start of India's preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026; hence, it's quite possible that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors could make a few changes to the squad.
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After a memorable 2-2 draw in the Test series under first-time captain Shubman Gill, a handful of media reports have stated that the 25-year-old will be the new vice-captain in the T20I side, making his return to the shortest format.
New report says Gill may lose out on Asia Cup
Gill last played T20Is in Sri Lanka in July 2024, but could replace Axar Patel as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy if reports turn out to be true. Besides news agency PTI, the Times of India also reported the same, arguing that BCCI prefers one captain across all formats, and while SKY is set to continue as captain, Gill becoming the vice-captain is seen as a natural progression.
'Indian cricket has usually leaned towards captains across formats who can cater to the market forces and bring substantial brand value. That Gill has become a major brand can't be ignored,' the TOI report said.
However, there's a latest twist. On Thursday, RevSportz said that Gill may not even make it to the Asia Cup 2025 squad. As per RevSportz, Gill would struggle to get a chance in the squad as the top order is already occupied.
To make space for Gill, Sanju Samson would have to be demoted to No.3 as the other opener, Abhishek Sharma, is currently ranked No.1 in the shortest format. But Tilak and Suryakumar have consistently been sharing the No.3 and No.4 slots, which means either Samson would be pushed out or Gill would not be included.
The report added that 'to include Gill could mean not doing justice to the others.'
Bumrah set to play in Asia Cup?
Also, we want to remind you that the news agency PTI said earlier that pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to play the Asia Cup 2025. To manage his workload, selectors may give him rest during the first Test against the West Indies at home that starts on 2 October. The Asia Cup final is scheduled for 28 September.
The report also added that Arsheeep Singh will be the second pacer, and one among Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna could be the third fast bowler.
The squad is expected to be picked on 19 or 20 August. India start their campaign on 10 September against the UAE in Dubai.
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India's possible Asia Cup squad as per news agency PTI: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel.