Follow UsIndian Test captain Shubman Gill and pacer Mohammed Siraj could miss out on India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025, which will be announced on August 19 (Tuesday), according to a report by Cricbuzz.
Gill has enjoyed a phenomenal run in recent months. The right-hander scored 650 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 155.88 in IPL 2025, leading Gujarat Titans (GT) to the playoffs. He then made an instant impact in his first series as Test captain, guiding India to a 2-2 draw in the five-match series in England. Personally, he was in sublime touch, smashing 754 runs at an average of 75.40.
Reports had suggested that Gill impressed the selectors enough to force his way back into India’s T20I plans for the Asia Cup. Not just that, the 25-year-old was even being touted as the frontrunner to become India’s new T20I vice-captain, working alongside skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
However, his selection is far from certain. India already have two in-form openers in Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom have thrived since the last T20 World Cup. There is scope for a third opener, but Yashasvi Jaiswal is strongly competing for that slot.
“There is always room for a third opener, and Gill's name is certain to come up for discussion, but Yashasvi Jaiswal is a strong contender for the role. One of them is expected to be picked for the September 9-28 championship, with Jaiswal appearing to have the edge,” reported Cricbuzz.
“It is possible that neither is selected, but for now Gill seems to be trailing in the race - unless Gautam Gambhir makes a strong pitch for the Test skipper.”
According to the Indian Express, there has also been a discussion about removing Tilak Varma to accommodate Gill. "There was also a discussion informally on whether to drop Tilak Varma and accommodate Gill. However, the team management felt that it would be unfair on the left-handed batsman, who is holding the number two ranking in International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I’s batting rankings."
India’s middle order is expected to feature Suryakumar, Tilak, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma. However, in-form Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer could be left out.
On the bowling front, Siraj, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the England Test series, may struggle to find a place in the T20I squad. The 30-year-old last played a T20I in July 2024. With Jasprit Bumrah set to return and Arshdeep Singh a certainty, the selectors may opt for one among Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana.
In the spin department, India look well covered with Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Axar Patel. There’s also a chance that Washington Sundar could sneak into the squad, given the faith shown in him by new head coach Gambhir.
India have been drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, and will open their campaign against the UAE on September 10. Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.