India have announced their squad for the Asia Cup 2025, and the big talking point is the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I setup—straight into a leadership role as the team’s vice-captain. For someone who has often found his spot in T20s under the microscope, this vice-captaincy is both a show of faith and a nod to Shubman Gill’s recent form. At 25, he now stands beside Suryakumar Yadav, helping guide a squad that blends experience with fresh energy as India set their sights on a ninth Asia Cup title.
Shubman Gill’s Return in Leadership Role
Shubman Gill missed the T20I series against England, and that gap opened the door to a few uncomfortable questions about his spot in the format. While he was away, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma cashed in on their chances. That only made Gill’s road back a little trickier, with extra eyes waiting to see how he’d respond. But then came his stunning IPL 2025 campaign—650 runs at a strike rate of 155.87—which left the selectors with no choice but to bring him back into the fold.
It wasn’t just the sheer weight of runs that stood out. Gill also guided Gujarat Titans into the playoffs, showing a calm, assured leadership that belied his age. That maturity has now been recognized, with him stepping in as India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup.
Only recently, he had another test of leadership when he captained India in the home Test series against England. Leading the side to a hard-fought draw in his very first major assignment underlined what the selectors already sense—Gill isn’t just a top-order batter, he’s a long-term leader across formats.
India’s Squad for the Asia Cup 2025
Here’s the full 15-member squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Standby players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
This squad highlights a few clear directions in team selection:
- Focus on batting power: With Samson, Abhishek, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma, India have multiple players who can accelerate.
- Experienced finishers retained: Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya continue to be trusted as middle-order enforcers.
- Spin variety included: Kuldeep Yadav brings wrist-spin, Varun Chakaravarthy offers mystery spin, and Axar Patel provides control with bat depth.
- Jasprit Bumrah returns: The biggest boost is Bumrah’s comeback, replacing Mohammed Shami.
Key Absentees
There are a couple of big omissions that caught fans’ attention:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Despite being among India’s brightest young openers, he has been placed on the standby list.
- Shreyas Iyer: No spot for the middle-order specialist, raising questions about his long-term place in the T20 setup.
- Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Reddy: All of them featured in the England series earlier this year but have been overlooked.
These exclusions signal that India want to try a slightly different balance, likely with fewer all-rounders in the playing XI.
The Leadership Group
With Suryakumar Yadav leading and Gill as his deputy, India are backing attacking batters to guide the squad. SKY has already proven his captaincy credentials with his fearless approach, and Gill adds a calm, calculated dimension as vice-captain.
It also shows the selectors are preparing leadership succession plans. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli no longer part of T20I squads, India need a young core to take over. Gill’s rise into leadership positions fits that vision perfectly.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Crucial Return
One of the biggest boosts for India is the return of Jasprit Bumrah. The star pacer, who was named Player of the Series in the 2024 T20 World Cup, sat out the last assignment but now walks straight back in to lead the attack.
Bumrah’s return changes everything for India’s bowling attack. Suddenly the pace unit doesn’t just look decent, it looks dangerous. Arshdeep Singh can swing it back into the right-handers, Harshit Rana brings that raw, youthful energy, and Hardik Pandya knows how to hold things steady. And then, of course, there’s Bumrah — the one guy you’d back every single time when the heat is on.
Spin Department
India aren’t short of options in the spin department either. Kuldeep Yadav’s been in good touch, Varun Chakaravarthy still has that mystery about him, and Axar Patel brings control with the ball plus the bonus of handy runs down the order.
Then there’s Abhishek Sharma. He’s in the squad mainly to open the batting, but his part-time spin gives Rohit and the management one more option to play with. On UAE pitches, which usually slow down as the tournament goes on, that kind of flexibility could turn into a real advantage.
India’s Opening Combination
One of the big debates will be around the opening pair. With Gill, Samson, and Abhishek all available, India have choices. Gill is likely to lock one spot, but who partners him?
- Samson brings experience and versatility.
- Abhishek has the recent form and explosive powerplay hitting.
This selection will set the tone for India’s batting in the Asia Cup.
Structure of the Squad
One of the subtle shifts in this squad is the reduced number of all-rounders. Earlier squads often included multiple utility players like Washington Sundar or Ravi Bishnoi. This time, the focus seems to be on specialists—dedicated batters, bowlers, and a couple of finishers.
It suggests India might field a slightly different XI approach: six batters, one all-rounder, and four frontline bowlers, with Axar Patel as the floater.
India’s Campaign
ndia, eight-time winners, get their Asia Cup 2025 campaign underway against the UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium. On paper they look strong, but with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh all in the hunt, it won’t be a straightforward run.
What really makes this side interesting is the mix inside the squad. There are plenty of familiar names, but also a few fresh faces who’ll be eager to make a mark. Add Shubman Gill stepping in as vice-captain, and suddenly there’s another layer to India’s leadership story heading into the tournament.
Final Thoughts
Naming Shubman Gill as India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025 is more than a footnote on a squad list. It’s a message. The selectors clearly see him as part of India’s leadership plans going forward. With Suryakumar Yadav as captain, Gill now has the job of scoring runs at the top while also helping guide some of the younger lads in the squad.
The squad itself has a few talking points. Jasprit Bumrah’s return instantly lifts the bowling, and the batting line-up looks like it has both depth and hitting power. Still, leaving out players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer will spark plenty of chatter. You get the sense this 15 has been picked with UAE conditions firmly in mind—no frills, just a side built to get the job done.
India open their campaign against the UAE on September 10, and plenty of attention will be on Gill to see how he carries the extra responsibility. Whether he flies or stumbles, this Asia Cup already feels like the beginning of the next chapter in India’s T20 story.And if you’re after proper insights, predictions, and betting angles as the tournament unfolds, you’ll find them at cricketbettingtips.org.