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Shubman Gill's Rise Sparks Debate Over T20 Leadership
22 Oct
Summary
- India wins Asia Cup 2025 in UAE
- T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav opposed Shubman Gill's inclusion
- Selectors and coach Gambhir overruled Surya, backing Gill's long-term vision
On October 22, 2025, India continued their dominance in Asian cricket by clinching the Asia Cup 2025 title in the UAE. However, off-field drama stole headlines just as much as on-field brilliance.
T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav reportedly opposed the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the squad, sparking a high-profile debate on selection dynamics and team strategy. Yet, in a decisive move, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors overruled Surya, highlighting Gill's importance for India's long-term T20 vision.
Gill's return to T20I cricket came after a hiatus since the July 2024 series against Sri Lanka. Appointed as vice-captain for the Asia Cup, the Punjab-born opener scored 127 runs in seven innings, providing stability at the top of the order. Despite modest numbers, Gill's presence reinforces his role as a cornerstone of India's cricketing future.
The decision to include Gill, despite Surya's reservations, reflects India's focus on balancing current performance with long-term leadership succession planning. Analysts believe this move positions Gill as a likely successor for T20 captaincy after the T20 World Cup 2026.
