The announcement of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked heated debates among cricket fans and experts. While the inclusion of Shubman Gill as vice-captain has been hailed as a step toward grooming future leadership, the omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan has raised several eyebrows.
Yashasvi Jaiswal – A Star in the Making
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion has come as a surprise to many. The young left-handed opener has been in phenomenal form:
- 723 runs in 23 T20Is with a century and five fifties.
- A remarkable strike rate of 164+ in international T20s.
- 559 runs in IPL 2025 with six fifties at a strike rate of nearly 160.
Jaiswal was seen as the backup opener for the T20 World Cup 2024 and was expected to feature prominently in the Asia Cup squad. Instead, he has only been named among the reserve players.
Sai Sudharsan – The Consistent Performer
Another surprising omission is Sai Sudharsan, who had an extraordinary IPL 2025 season:
- 700+ runs in IPL 2025, consistently performing under pressure.
- Outperformed Shubman Gill in terms of runs and match-winning knocks.
Despite his consistent batting, Sudharsan did not make the cut, leaving fans questioning the selectors’ approach.
Expert Reactions
Former Chennai Super Kings star Subramaniam Badrinath openly questioned the selection committee’s decisions. On his YouTube channel, he remarked:
“What about Yashasvi Jaiswal? He has done even better than Shubman Gill. Also, why has Sai Sudharsan missed out after scoring 700 runs in IPL 2025 and performing better than Gill?”
He further highlighted the age-old issue in Indian cricket — recency bias and inconsistent selection policies.
Shubman Gill – The Future Captain?
While the criticism is valid, the selectors’ decision to back Shubman Gill also has logic. Naming him vice-captain projects him as a long-term prospect. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli nearing the twilight of their careers, India needs to groom a new generation of leaders.
Gill’s technique, temperament, and leadership potential make him a strong candidate. However, his selection over more in-form players like Jaiswal and Sudharsan has stirred controversy.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
India will begin their campaign with high expectations:
- September 10 – vs UAE (Dubai)
- September 14 – vs Pakistan (Dubai)
- September 19 – vs Oman (Abu Dhabi)
The clash against Pakistan on September 14 is expected to be the highlight of the group stage.
Final Thoughts
The Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement reflects a balancing act between backing young leaders and rewarding current form. While Gill’s promotion as vice-captain indicates long-term planning, the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan leaves several unanswered questions.
As India prepares for the Asia Cup, all eyes will be on how these decisions play out on the field. Will the selectors’ gamble on Gill pay off, or will the absence of in-form players hurt India’s campaign?