The much awaited Asia Cup 2025 is all set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, with the final scheduled for September 28. The tournament will be played in the T20I format and will feature eight top Asian sides battling for continental glory. Ahead of the marquee event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-member squad, naming Suryakumar Yadav as captain. Interestingly, the selectors surprised many by appointing Shubman Gill as the vice-captain.
Shubman Gill’s unexpected elevation as vice-captain
Gill’s appointment as deputy to Suryakumar has raised several eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity. The opener, who is also India’s current Test captain, was not even considered a certainty for the Asia Cup squad, given his mixed record in T20 internationals. His strike rate in the shortest format has often been questioned, and several experts felt he would face stiff competition to secure a place.
However, Gill’s excellent leadership in the recently concluded Test series in England, where he impressed with both bat and tactical acumen, appears to have worked in his favor. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the decision in the presser, stating: “He has exceeded all our expectations.”
Captain Suryakumar also backed the move, reminding reporters that Gill was named vice-captain during his last T20I appearance against Sri Lanka before being occupied with red-ball commitments. He said: “Now that he is back in the mix, we are very happy to have him in the squad.”
Fans react over Gill’s appointment
As soon as the news broke, social media was flooded with mixed reactions from fans. While a section of supporters lauded the selectors for recognizing Gill’s leadership potential and consistency, others expressed surprise, arguing that his T20 credentials don’t justify such a promotion.
Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah returns as BCCI announces India’s 15-member squad for Asia Cup 2025
Here’s how fans reacted:
Shubman Gill era has begun for Indian cricket in all format.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 19, 2025
SHUBMAN GILL – THE VICE CAPTAIN OF TEAM INDIA IN ASIA CUP pic.twitter.com/4Xromcc0tj
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 19, 2025
Shubman Gill has been selected for the Asia Cup as Vice Captain. pic.twitter.com/iXRZ2AuDnl
— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) August 19, 2025
Shubman Gill owns Mumbai lobby at 25 pic.twitter.com/jYNwGVpzni
— 𝐀 (@Aagneyax) August 19, 2025
Shreyas Iyer & Yashasvi Jaiswal couldn’t find a place in India’s T20I squad coz they failed to invest in PR the way Shubman Gill did. Indian Cricket requires you to have best PR & good connections with media people in order to play in Indian team.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) August 19, 2025
Vice captain shubman gill for India’s T20 side
Go well #ShubmanGill #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/OuS6n2pTOJ
— Aarna (@goldenhues018) August 19, 2025
Shubman Gill will be the highest run getter of the Asia Cup 2025.
Bookmark this!
— Musa (@peaceinagony) August 19, 2025
In one line :
It’s absolutely fine to not pick Shreyas, Jaiswal and Gill in T20s because you think there is no slot although still Jaiswal should be there.
But picking Shubman Gill as Vice Captain and not picking both doesn’t make sense, nothing against Gill.
— SACHIN (@LeoChennaiIPL) August 19, 2025
Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped from India’s T20I Squad and Shubman Gill is the VC , Seriously!! What a joke . #TeamIndia #AsiaCup https://t.co/gNRlUW5Xe6
— 𝓐𝓭𝓲 (@ImAdiRo_) August 19, 2025
Surya Kumar Yadav Aur Shubman Gill #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/lAfXNm9gu8
— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) August 19, 2025
Shubman Gill back in India’s T20 squad – and this time as Vice-Captain.
The rise continues! #AsiaCup #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/lwjeZZhKcf— Ganesh (@GaneshVerse) August 19, 2025
Akshar Patel removed from the vice-captain’s post and Shubman Gill made new vice-captain #AsiaCup #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/pzdPOdcxQ2
— Kamit Solanki (@KamitSolanki) August 19, 2025
Also READ: Fans react as Pakistan drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Asia Cup 2025 squad
