With the Asia Cup T20 just weeks away, Indian cricket fans are buzzing with excitement and curiosity over the final squad announcement. But if reports are to be believed, there could be a big surprise: Shubman Gill is unlikely to make the cut, while Shreyas Iyer may be handed a comeback by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his panel.
Why Shubman Gill Could Miss Out
Shubman Gill has been in the spotlight as India’s new Test captain and one of the brightest batting stars in world cricket. But when it comes to T20s, the selectors appear to be thinking differently.
According to reports, the selectors want Gill to focus on upcoming Test commitments and are instead looking at more explosive options at the top of the order. With Yashasvi Jaiswal in fine form and Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is, Gill may have to sit out the Asia Cup squad despite his immense talent.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also weighed in recently, suggesting that Jaiswal’s attacking left-handed batting style gives India better balance in the shortest format. This could be another reason why Gill might be rested.
The Case for Shreyas Iyer
On the flip side, Shreyas Iyer is emerging as a frontrunner for inclusion. Despite being out of the T20I mix since December 2023, Iyer’s recent form in the Champions Trophy 2025 and his leadership for the Punjab Kings in the IPL have caught selectors’ attention. His experience in middle-order situations and adaptability in UAE-like conditions make him an asset for India’s Asia Cup ambitions.
Iyer’s recall would inject batting maturity and stability—qualities that could tip the scales in tight T20 encounters.
A Balancing Act for Selectors
Choosing the final squad won’t be easy. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Gill’s Case: A technically gifted batter and Test captain, but seen more as a long-format star at the moment.
- Iyer’s Case: A proven middle-order performer who brings maturity, stability, and adaptability to the T20 setup.
- Team Balance: India needs a mix of power-hitters and anchors for the Asia Cup, and Iyer’s versatility gives the team more flexibility.
Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has publicly backed Gill, saying he deserves a place in any squad. But others feel leaving Gill out for this tournament could be a smart long-term move to keep him fresh for Test cricket.
However, there’s no final word yet. Former players like Harbhajan Singh still advocate for Gill, stating he’s “no less than anybody else” and backing his inclusion in any Asia Cup setup.
The final 15-member squad will be revealed on Tuesday, August 19, during a selection meeting in Mumbai featuring Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Suryakumar Yadav.
