The debate around India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad took another twist when legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar refused to give his opinion on the non-selection of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener, who was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team, surprisingly missed out on the Asia Cup squad.
But Gavaskar made it clear that he does not want to be drawn into a debate that, according to him, only fuels unnecessary controversies.
Gavaskar’s Clear Stand: “No Point Discussing”
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said that once the selectors announce the squad, the focus should be on backing those players rather than questioning who missed out.
“You can only pick eleven players in the match and fifteen in the squad. Somebody has to miss out, that’s just the reality of Indian cricket.
There’s no point discussing whether A, B, or C should have been there. This is now our team, and talking about exclusions only creates controversy, which the players don’t need,” Gavaskar remarked.
The former India captain, known for his straightforward views, stressed that continuous debate around selections can demoralize both the chosen players and those left out. His message was simple: once the decision is made, move on and support the team.
The exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal has been one of the most discussed points since the squad announcement.
The 22-year-old opener has been impressive in T20Is, scoring 723 runs in 23 matches at a strike rate of 164. His fearless batting at the top of the order has earned him praise from fans and experts alike.
However, despite his numbers, Jaiswal was not picked for the Asia Cup in the UAE. Instead, the selectors brought back Shubman Gill, who not only returned to the squad but was also handed the vice-captaincy role.
Fabulous Squad with Perfect Balance”
In a candid conversation with India Today, Gavaskar expressed his admiration for the squad’s composition:
“This is a fabulous squad. It has depth in batting, variety in the left- and right-hand combinations, and terrific balance in bowling as well. It’s a fantastic team.”
These words reflect his belief that the Indian team now boasts the ideal mix of firepower, tactical options, and adaptability—crucial elements for a tournament as diverse and competitive as the Asia Cup.
Why Shubman Gill?
While Jaiswal’s omission surprised many, Gill’s inclusion was not unexpected. Gavaskar explained that Gill’s overall performances across formats, along with his leadership qualities, may have influenced the decision.
Gill had a brilliant run in England earlier this year, where he scored more than 750 runs during India’s Test tour. He also followed it up with consistent performances in the IPL, proving his form and adaptability.
By naming him as the vice-captain, the selectors may be signaling that Gill is being groomed for a leadership role in the T20 format in the coming years.
This situation once again highlights a common debate in Indian cricket—should selection be purely based on recent numbers, or should it also consider long-term team strategy?
Jaiswal’s strike rate and aggressive style make him a strong option for T20 cricket. But selectors often look beyond stats, considering experience, leadership, and the balance of the squad.
Gavaskar’s silence on the matter seems to suggest that second-guessing selectors’ decisions helps no one and may only create rifts.
Backing the Team
Gavaskar’s reminder is timely. As India heads into the Asia Cup—a key tournament before the Champions Trophy 2025—unity within the squad is vital. Public debates over who should have been selected can distract the team from the bigger picture.
His advice echoes a long-standing cricketing truth: support the squad that has been chosen, because that’s the team that will represent the country.
The omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal may feel harsh to fans, but selectors have clearly gone with Shubman Gill for his consistency and leadership potential. Gavaskar’s refusal to weigh in shows his belief that discussions on exclusions do more harm than good.
With the Asia Cup starting on September 9 in the UAE, all eyes will now be on how India’s chosen squad performs—and whether the decision to back Gill over Jaiswal pays off.
