Shubman Gill likely to return in the Asia Cup 2025– Axar Patel to be ignored

After a stellar tour of England, Shubman Gill is likely to return as the T20I vice-captain in the Asia Cup 2025. Shubman Gill led the Indian team in the Test against England, claiming a 2-2 series draw. He completely fulfilled his job, making runs and leading the side.

He scored 754 runs in the recent series against England in just 10 innings. This exceptional performance opened the doors again for him in T20Is. He is not just coming back in T20I cricket but is likely to replace Axar Patel as the T20I vice-captain.

Shubman Gill played the last T20I series in 2024. He was not picked again in the T20Is. Focusing on Test cricket, selectors let him play the longest format of cricket. After the England tour, they will focus on his performance and pick him for the Asia Cup 2025.

Axar Patel to be ignored as Vice-captain

With Shubman Gill coming back to T20I cricket, he will not just play as a player. He is likely to be the vice-captain, being the deputy of the skipper Suryakumar Yadav. He will replace Axar Patel in this role.

Selectors will ignore Axar Patel as the vice-captain. It will be a backlash for the vice-captain. He has led the Indian team asputy of Suryakumar Yadav in several T20I series. However, his placement in the squad is alive.

Shubman Gill to be the vice-captain—Reports.

According to a report by RevSportz, Shubman Gill is almost confirmed as the vice-captain.

“With Suryakumar Yadav set to be fit for the tournament, which will be played in T20 format this year, Gill is likely to deputize for him. This will not only mark Gill’s return to the T20I setup but also enhance his status as a growing leader in the Indian dressing room across formats.” The report said.

This report confirms his participation in the T20I squad. Selectors will confirm it in the third week of August. 

Shubman Gill’s stats in recent T20Is

It will be a difficult challenge to fit him into the T20I cricket. There are already set batters, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, for the format. They have a good strike rate with aggressive intent.

Shubman Gill’s stats in the IPL also support him to play in the T20I cricket. He has played three consecutive seasons for Gujarat Titans, scoring 890 runs at a strike rate of 157.80, 426 at 147.40, and 650 at 155.88, respectively. This improved strike rate enhanced his leadership skills and made him ready for T20I cricket.

Final Thoughts

Shubman Gill is a good leader, as he proved in the recent test series. It is a big chance that he will become the T20I vice-captain. However, selectors have also kept the upcoming series against Australia in mind. 

He is also getting noticed as the ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Reports suggest that he might lead in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma’s upcoming assignment is against Australia in the white ball tour. Let’s see if he becomes the ODI captain also.