Asia Cup 2025 news: Shubman Gill is being seen as India’s future captain across all formats, and current T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav on Tuesday said he is glad to have the young opener as his deputy for the upcoming Asia Cup beginning September 9 in the UAE.
Gill, who recently took over as India’s Test captain, last featured in a T20 international in July 2024. His return to the shortest format as the designated vice-captain sends a strong signal from the selectors about his leadership role in the coming years.
Gill’s comeback to T20 setup
The 24-year-old was not part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in the Caribbean last year, but he enjoyed a stellar IPL season followed by an impressive Test tour of England where he led from the front to secure a 2-2 draw.
“The last time when he played T20Is for India, post (the) T20 World Cup (2024), when we went to Sri Lanka (in July 2024), not (the tour of) Zimbabwe. I was leading then and he was the vice-captain and that’s when we started a new cycle for (the next) T20 World Cup.
“After that he got busy with all the Test series (at home). He did not get the opportunity to play T20 cricket because he got busy playing Test cricket and also the Champions Trophy. He is there in the squad (now) and we are happy to have him,” said Suryakumar.
Jitesh Sharma earns recall
The squad also features Jitesh Sharma as the second wicketkeeper alongside Sanju Samson. His consistent IPL performances for champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru helped him return to the national setup.
“Post last T20WC, we spoke a lot on how to go about it. We spoke about let’s not think of milestones ahead, follow your journey. Been a completely different cricketer post that. The way he performed in the IPL and domestic tournaments he played, he’s done really well, has earned his spot again,” said Suryakumar.
He also defended the selection of young pacer Harshit Rana, who is likely to serve as back-up with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh expected to lead the attack.
“Harshit Rana has played really well in the IPL. I think he was a concussion replacement in the Pune game, he was the man of the match in the last game he played for India. We back his skills and we know he can deliver,” the skipper said.
Roadmap to T20 World Cup
With the Asia Cup serving as a starting point, India are set for a busy T20 schedule leading up to next year’s World Cup at home. They will play 15 more T20 internationals after the continental event.
“It is the first big tournament after last year’s T20 WC. It’s a good tournament to test ourselves. Lot of T20s after this also. The journey starts from here,” Suryakumar added.