Test skipper Shubman Gill not first choice for India squad

Less than a month remains until the Asia Cup 2025, and the Indian squad may visit the United Arab Emirates without players like Shubman Gill, their Test captain. According to reports, the star batsman is not anticipated to make the final selection since Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are slated to form India’s opening combination. For those who don’t know, Samson has been playing well lately, and Abhishek is presently the top-ranked T20I batter.

Furthermore, Tilak Varma already occupies the position at No. 3, so it wouldn’t be prudent to move Samson down to make room for Shubman Gill.

According to RevSportz, this would probably make it more difficult for the batting combination, which currently appears stable and well-positioned. Since Shubman Gill has been named captain of the North Zone team for the Duleep Trophy 2025, he might find himself totally committed to the tournament.

Arshdeep will spearhead the pace attack.

Regarding the Asia Cup team, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested to limit his workload, while Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead the Men in Blue’s pace attack. In the shortest version of the game, where he is the best wicket-taker (99 wickets in 63 games), Arshdeep is fresh and ready to play because he travelled with the squad for the England tour but did not play a single game.

India is in Group A with the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Pakistan for the continental event, which starts on September 9. In contrast, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan are all part of Group B. Following their advancement to the Super Fours, the top two teams from each group will play in the September 28 grand finale. On September 10, India will launch their campaign against the United Arab Emirates.

India’s schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup