Shubman Gill Appointed India Vice-Captain for Asia Cup 2025; Bumrah Returns
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| Gill has returned to the T20I set up. © Getty |
In a significant move, star opener Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain for India's campaign at the Asia Cup 2025, marking his leadership return alongside his comeback to the T20I squad. Gill, who missed India's recent T20I series against England, will support captain Suryakumar Yadav as India seeks a record-extending ninth title.
The 15-man squad, announced for the tournament starting September 10th in the UAE, features three frontline openers: Gill, Sanju Samson, and breakout star Abhishek Sharma. Gill's inclusion comes after stellar IPL 2025 form, where he amassed 650 runs at a strike rate of 155.87 and led Gujarat Titans to the playoffs. His leadership credentials were further bolstered by captaining India to a drawn Test series in England.
Notable Selections & Omissions:
- Jasprit Bumrah makes a crucial return, replacing Mohammed Shami. He spearheads a pace attack including Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
- Jitesh Sharma gets the nod as the second wicketkeeper alongside Sanju Samson.
- Surprise exclusions see Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer left out entirely, with Jaiswal named only as a standby. Jitesh's selection edges out Dhruv Jurel.
- Spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy form the primary slow-bowling unit, with Abhishek Sharma offering part-time support.
- Standby Players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Bowling & Batting Core:
The squad balances explosive batting (Suryakumar, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube) with versatile all-rounders (Pandya, Dube, Axar). Bumrah's return significantly strengthens the pace department.
Gill's vice-captaincy role signals strong faith from the selectors despite competition from the in-form Samson and Abhishek. India begins its Asia Cup journey against the UAE on September 10th at Dubai International Stadium.
Full Squad:
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Batters: Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
- Wicketkeeper: Jitesh Sharma
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
- Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
India's Asia Cup 2025 squad blends youth with experience, banking on Gill's leadership resurgence and Bumrah's lethal pace to reclaim continental glory.
