The race for the third opening slot in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad was tight between Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Jaiswal’s recent form in T20Is has been impressive, Shubman Gill edged him out, making the final 15-member squad announced on August 19 by Ajit Agarkar at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
Gill, with 571 runs in 21 T20Is, and Jaiswal, who has scored 723 runs in 23 matches, both showed remarkable potential. However, despite Jaiswal’s superior numbers, the selectors went with Gill, a decision that raised a few eyebrows.
Why Gill Got the Nod Over Jaiswal
While Jaiswal has a higher average (36.15 vs 30.42) and a stronger strike rate (164.31 vs 139.27) in T20Is, Shubman Gill’s leadership potential played a key role in his selection. According to reports from the Indian Express, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selection panel are grooming Gill as a long-term leader for the team, especially as a potential successor to Suryakumar Yadav.
The 25-year-old, who captains India in Tests, was appointed as vice-captain for the Asia Cup, replacing Axar Patel in this role. The selectors believe this move will help prepare him for future leadership responsibilities across all formats.
“The need to find a long-term replacement for Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain is one of the driving factors behind the decision to include Shubman Gill,” the Indian Express report stated.
Key Stats Comparison: Gill vs Jaiswal
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | 4s/6s |
| Shubman Gill | 21 | 21 | 578 | 30.42 | 139.27 | 1/3 | 60/22 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 23 | 22 | 723 | 36.15 | 164.31 | 1/5 | 82/38 |
IPL Records: A Side-by-Side Look
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | 4s/6s |
| Shubman Gill | 118 | 115 | 3866 | 39.44 | 138.71 | 4/26 | 372/119 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 67 | 66 | 2166 | 34.38 | 152.85 | 2/15 | 258/92 |
Future Leadership: The Selection Decision
During the selection meeting, which lasted several hours, the primary discussion revolved around who could lead India in the future. With Suryakumar Yadav nearing 35, the selectors wanted to invest in a leader who could take the team forward.
“It was a matter that consumed most of the time at Tuesday’s selection meeting. Gambhir also felt that we need to groom someone like Gill for the future, especially given his leadership in Tests,” the Indian Express report added.
While Gill wasn’t the first choice, the selectors recognized his long-term potential and felt it was time to invest in him, especially given his leadership role in the Test team.
Gill’s Leadership Journey
Gill, who captained India in five T20Is against Zimbabwe in 2024, winning four of them, now finds himself in a position to lead India in all formats. While his leadership in T20s remains in the early stages, the selectors are hoping that this Asia Cup experience will set him up for bigger roles ahead.
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!
