Shubman Gill Likely to Miss Asia Cup 2025 T20I Squad as Selectors Back Samson-Abhishek Opening Pair
Shubman Gill is likely to miss the Asia Cup 2025 T20I squad as selectors back the in-form Sanju Samson–Abhishek Sharma opening pair, with Yashasvi Jaiswal set to continue as the third opener.
Shubman Gill set to miss Asia Cup 2025 T20I as selectors prefer Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top.
India’s Test captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 T20I squad, with selectors set to retain the successful Sanju Samson–Abhishek Sharma opening combination. Sources suggest the team management believes Gill does not currently fit into their T20I setup, preferring continuity with players backed after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
🔹 Samson-Abhishek at the Top, Jaiswal as Backup
Ahead of the selection committee meeting on August 19, discussions were held on Gill’s possible inclusion. However, bringing him in would mean reshuffling the top order, something the management is reluctant to do.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have impressed as openers, making it difficult for Gill to slot in.
Tilak Varma, ranked No. 2 in ICC T20I batting rankings, was also considered as a possible exclusion, but selectors deemed it unfair to drop him.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, part of India’s 2024 World Cup-winning squad, is likely to remain as the third opener despite limited opportunities.
🔹 Why Gill May Miss Out
A BCCI source revealed: “If Gill is included, he will have to open straight away. But dropping Sanju after his recent success would be unfair. If Gill doesn’t get a game, there’s no point in having him in the squad.”
Gill’s last T20I came in July 2024 against Sri Lanka. Since then, he has not been picked for series against Bangladesh, South Africa, or England.
Despite his stellar red-ball form and a strong IPL 2025 season — where he scored 650 runs, finishing fourth among top run-getters — selectors remain cautious about rushing him back into the T20I fold.
🔹 Selection Meeting on August 19
The final squad for the Asia Cup will be decided in consultation with selectors, team management, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Tuesday, August 19.
The tournament is scheduled to be played in Dubai from September 9 to 28, 2025.
🏏 Key Takeaway
While Shubman Gill continues to shine in Tests and IPL, the Asia Cup 2025 T20I squad is expected to stick with the status quo, keeping the Samson-Abhishek-Jaiswal trio as India’s frontline openers.
