Asia Cup 2025: Test captain Shubman Gill not the first preference for India squad

Asia Cup 2025: Why Shubman Gill Might Miss Out on India’s Squad

The Asia Cup 2025 is just weeks away, and while fans were expecting to see Test captain Shubman Gill in action, reports suggest he might not even make it to the final squad for the major T20 tournament in the UAE.

The Reason? Team Combination Over Reputation

India’s current T20 batting order seems to be set — and Gill doesn’t fit into the puzzle right now. The opening slots are reportedly reserved for:

• Abhishek Sharma – Currently the No. 1 ranked T20I batter in the world.

• Sanju Samson – In brilliant form lately and consistently performing in the shortest format.

With Tilak Varma locked in at the No. 3 position, moving Samson down to fit in Gill could disrupt a batting combination that has been performing well and appears balanced.

Gill’s Focus Shifts to Domestic Cricket

Since he’s unlikely to feature in the Asia Cup squad, Shubman Gill is expected to fully focus on the Duleep Trophy 2025, where he has already been named captain of the North Zone team.

What This Means for Gill and Team India

While Gill remains a crucial figure in Test cricket, his omission from the Asia Cup T20 squad shows the team management’s emphasis on form, current rankings, and squad balance over reputation. For Gill, it’s an opportunity to dominate domestic cricket and make a strong case for his return to the T20 side.

Asia Cup 2025: Arshdeep Singh Set to Lead India’s Pace Attack

In a notable move ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, India’s pace department is likely to be led by Arshdeep Singh. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested to manage his workload, Arshdeep will have the responsibility of spearheading the bowling attack in the high-stakes T20 tournament.

Fresh and Ready for Action

Arshdeep was part of the squad for the England tour but didn’t get a chance to play in any match. This means he is fully fresh and ready to make an impact in the shortest format. His T20 record is already impressive — 99 wickets in just 63 games, making him the highest wicket-taker in the format currently.

A Big Opportunity

With Bumrah out of the mix for now, the Asia Cup becomes a massive opportunity for Arshdeep to:

• Lead the pace attack.

• Cement his place as India’s go-to bowler in crunch T20 games.

• Gain valuable big-tournament experience ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill Likely to Miss Out, Arshdeep Singh to Lead Pace Attack

The Asia Cup 2025 is less than a month away, and major selection calls are shaping India’s squad for the continental T20 showdown in the UAE.

Gill Not in the First-Choice Squad

Reports suggest that Test captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to be part of India’s Asia Cup T20 squad. The opening combination is set to feature:

• Abhishek Sharma – Currently the No. 1 ranked T20I batter.

• Sanju Samson – In excellent form in the format.

With Tilak Varma locked at No. 3, pushing Samson down to accommodate Gill could disrupt the batting balance. As a result, Gill is expected to focus on the Duleep Trophy 2025, where he will captain the North Zone side.

Arshdeep to Spearhead the Pace Attack

In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh is set to lead the pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah being rested to manage his workload. Although Arshdeep toured England recently, he didn’t play a game — making him fresh and ready for action. With 99 wickets in 63 T20s, he is currently the highest wicket-taker in the format, and the Asia Cup is a prime chance for him to shine in a lead role.

Asia Cup 2025 Format & Schedule

The tournament kicks off on September 9, with India drawn into Group A alongside UAE, Oman, and Pakistan.

• Group B: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Afghanistan.

• The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Fours, and the best two from there will contest the grand finale on September 28.

• India’s opening match will be on September 10 against the UAE.

Asia Cup 2025 — India Schedule

 

Also Read –Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of Asia Cup 2025 and West Indies Tests with Foot Injury