The Indian cricket team for the 2025 Asia Cup has been announced, and it has already started a lot of discussions among fans and experts. A significant talking point has been Shubman return as the vice captain in T20 cricket. While many see this as a step towards making him the next all format captain of India, another big question is- where does he actually fit in the playing XI?
What Do These Updates Really Mean?
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his belief that Shubman Gill could become the future captain of Team India. According to him, Gill has the qualities of a strong leader and can guide the team in the coming years.To strengthen this thought, The selectors have already indicated their faith in shubman Gill by appointing him as team India’s vice captain for the Asia Cup 2025,This step clearly shows that the team management is preparing him for bigger responsibilities in the future.
Interestingly, during Gill’s absence, India’s T20I top order performed very well, with other batters making strong contributions. This highlights the team’s depth in batting, but at the same time, Gill’s leadership role adds extra value to the side. In short, Gill’s promotion as vice captain not only builds his confidence but also shows that the Indian team is already grooming him as a long term leader.
Gill as a Future Leader
Shubman Gill is just 25 years old, but he has already been trusted with big responsibilities. He is currently the Test captain of India and has also led a young team against Zimbabwe after India won the T20 World Cup in 2024. Now, with his return as vice captain in T20Is, many people believe that the selectors are preparing him to become India’s captain in all three formats in the near future.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra even said that Gill’s new role shows the future direction of Indian cricket. According to him, if Gill is already Test captain, soon to be ODI captain, and now vice captain in T20Is, it clearly looks like the team is grooming him as the next long term leader.
The Playing XI Tricky
While Gill’s leadership future looks bright, his place in the T20 playing XI is a little tricky. Right now, India’s top order looks very strong. Abhishek Sharma has been giving explosive starts, Sanju Samson has shown calmness and consistency as an opener, and Tilak Varma has been outstanding at number three. Together, they have built a strong and reliable top order.
So where does Shubman Gill fit in? Being named vice captain nearly assures that Shubman will find a place in the playing XI. But to include him, one of the current top order players, most likely Sanju Samson, may have to sit out. Aakash Chopra even mentioned that with Gill returning as deputy, Samson’s place in the XI could be in danger.
A Journey from Batter to Leader
Gill’s rise has been very quick. From being a talented young opener to becoming one of the main faces of the team, he has grown into a reliable player. He has been Rohit Sharma’s VC in big tournaments, taken charge in Test cricket, and now moved into a key role in T20Is too.
Previous batting coach Abhishek Nayar applauded the decision, emphasizing that the selectors solidly see Shubman Gill as India’s future all format captain. He further added that the next 12 months could show vital in shaping Gill’s journey as a cricketer.
A Tough Choice for India
Even though Gill’s return as vice captain is a strong signal about the future, it puts the team in a tricky situation. The top order without Gill has been working really well, so making space for him might affect the balance. At the same time, leaving out the vice captain does not seem possible. This makes the Asia Cup even more exciting, as fans will wait to see how India balances experience, leadership, and form in its playing XI.
Final Words
Shubman Gill’s return as vice captain is not only about the Asia Cup, but also about driving India’s future in world cricket. Shubman Gill’s return as vice captain is not only for the Asia Cup it shows India’s future in world cricket. He looks set to be the next all format captain, but before that, the team has to solve the puzzle of where he fits in the T20 lineup. Whatever the decision, one thing is clear: Gill’s journey is only getting started, and the next year could be the most important chapter of his career