Why India’s Asia Cup squad could mark a turning point for Shubman Gill

Dubai: The Indian selectors are set to unveil their Asia Cup squad on Tuesday, with the decision carrying weight beyond the continental event. The eight-team tournament, starting September 9 in the UAE, doubles as a staging ground for India’s defence of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup next February.

At the heart of the discussion is Shubman Gill. The Test captain has been in prolific touch across formats and enjoyed a strong Indian Premier League (IPL) season, strengthening calls for his return to the T20I set-up. More than a comeback, Gill is being viewed as a potential leader — with a vice-captaincy role at the Asia Cup seen as the first step towards bigger responsibilities.

Gill, who has seamlessly taken over Virat Kohli’s No. 4 slot in Tests, now looks ready to inherit his predecessor’s mantle in white-ball cricket too. Slotting in at No 3, he can anchor an innings with composure before shifting gears into a free-flowing stroke-maker — a template that served India so well in the Kohli era.

Suryakumar Yadav has proved himself an imaginative captain, guiding India to success in the past series, but the added responsibility has come at the expense of his batting fluency. Reintroducing Gill to the T20 fold would allow India to ease the load on Suryakumar and restore him to his natural role as a destructive finisher, while grooming Gill as a long-term leader.

Shreyas Iyer, another key performer in the Champions Trophy triumph, is also expected to return following an impressive IPL campaign. His presence could mean disappointment for Rinku Singh, who faces the prospect of missing out despite his promise as a lower-order hitter.

Teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s name continues to generate debate, with former skipper Kris Srikkanth urging his inclusion. While it remains unlikely that the 14-year-old will make the final cut, the fact that his candidacy is even being discussed underlines the depth of India’s emerging talent pool.

Another name to watch is Sai Sudharsan, the IPL 2025 top-scorer, who has been in sensational form at the start of the season. Despite his consistency, Sudharsan faces stiff competition for a spot, with India’s Asia Cup squad already packed with established openers. Selectors may have to weigh experience against current form, leaving the promising right-hander on the fringe of the 15-member team.

Meanwhile, spinner Varun Chakravarthy has spoken about his preparations for the Asia Cup, crediting captain Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir for backing his return to white-ball cricket. The 33-year-old, who has taken 33 wickets in 18 T20Is, has used the recent break to work on his fitness and bowling. “Surya never puts pressure on the bowlers, and Gautam Bhai brings a warrior mindset to the dressing room. That has made a big difference,” he told Revsportz.

Varun Chakravarthy, who took nine wickets in three matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, said the UAE pitches suit his style. “I am used to adapting to different conditions, but I am eager to see how the pitches are at this time of year,” he said, underlining his readiness for the Asia Cup.

India will open their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10, with the tournament offering the selectors one of their last big chances to fine-tune combinations before the World Cup defence.

On standby/may miss out: