Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025: Ajit Agarkar on Where He Fits in India’s Playing XI
Shubman Gill, India’s Test captain and one of the brightest young stars in world cricket, has returned to the T20I setup for the Asia Cup 2025 after more than a year. The elegant right-hander was rewarded for his exceptional performances both in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) and the recent Test series against England. His recall, however, has sparked an important debate—where does Gill actually fit into India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup?
Gill’s return to the squad was almost inevitable given his remarkable form. Leading Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, he scored 650 runs in 15 matches, showing consistency and temperament as a leader and batsman. In the five-Test series against England earlier this year, Gill led India as Test captain and piled up a staggering 754 runs, proving his ability to dominate across formats. His recall to the T20 side was, therefore, not a surprise but rather a natural progression. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
The Selection Puzzle
The real dilemma, however, lies in his batting position. India’s opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson has delivered impressive results in recent T20I matches. Both players bring explosiveness at the top, making it tough for the selectors and management to alter the combination.
Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, was asked about Gill’s role in the squad during the press conference in Mumbai. His response was measured and diplomatic. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
“It depends on the captain and the management. When we reach Dubai and assess the conditions, they will take the final call,” Agarkar said. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
This statement reflects the uncertainty surrounding Gill’s exact place in the lineup.
The No. 3 Conundrum
One potential option for Gill is to slot in at No. 3, a role he has often played in One-Day Internationals. But the problem is that Tilak Varma, one of India’s most promising young T20 batters, currently occupies that position. Tilak has been consistent and has shown maturity beyond his years, making it highly unlikely that the management will bench him to accommodate Gill. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
That means Gill’s only realistic opportunity is as an opener. This could lead to some tough decisions. With Abhishek Sharma almost certain to retain his spot after strong performances, it leaves Sanju Samson’s position vulnerable. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
Agarkar hinted at this when he said:
“Sanju opened because Jaiswal and Gill were unavailable.”
This suggests that Samson’s place as an opener was more of a stop-gap solution rather than a long-term plan. Now that Gill is back, the management might consider reverting to him as the first-choice opener.
The Case for Gill as an Opener
Gill has the technique, class, and adaptability required to open in T20 cricket. He provides stability alongside aggression and can anchor the innings if early wickets fall. Moreover, his experience as a captain and top-order batter adds value to the team in pressure situations. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
The only question is whether India will prioritize Gill’s consistency over Samson’s explosiveness at the top. Samson has been in good form but has not cemented his place in India’s T20I XI. With a big tournament like the Asia Cup on the line, the team may prefer a proven performer like Gill. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
Shreyas Iyer’s Snub – A Result of Abundant Talent
While Gill’s inclusion grabbed headlines, the omission of Shreyas Iyer was equally notable. Iyer, who had led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title and Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, found no place in the squad.
Agarkar explained that it was not a reflection of Iyer’s poor form but rather the abundance of talent available.
“We have got some serious options in the T20 squad. Sometimes it’s not the easiest squad to pick, but it’s a good headache to have,” Agarkar said. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
This highlights the intense competition for places in India’s T20 setup, where even proven match-winners like Iyer are struggling to secure a spot. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025
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Surya Kumar Yadav (C)
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Shubman Gill (VC)
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Abhishek Sharma
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Tilak Varma
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Hardik Pandya
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Shivam Dube
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Axar Patel
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Jitesh Sharma (WK)
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Arshdeep Singh
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Varun Chakaravarthy
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Sanju Samson (WK)
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Harshit Rana
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Rinku Singh
Standby players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal
The Bigger Picture
The Asia Cup 2025 will serve as an important tournament for India as they look to fine-tune their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup. Gill’s return not only strengthens the batting order but also raises intriguing tactical possibilities.
Should India opt for aggression with Samson and Abhishek, or balance with Gill and Abhishek at the top? Will Gill’s leadership qualities and consistency give him the edge? These are questions the team management will need to answer once the tournament begins. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
One thing is clear—Gill’s presence is a huge boost for India. His performances in IPL and Tests prove that he is in the form of his life, and his hunger to succeed in T20Is will only add to the team’s firepower.
For now, Ajit Agarkar has left the door open, and the final call will be made based on conditions and strategies in Dubai. But whatever the decision, Gill’s return has already sparked one of the most fascinating debates in Indian cricket ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025
