Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill poised to be named India's vice-captain
The Indian management is keen on aligning the opportunities for Shubman Gill to become an all-format lead for India in the coming days. The 25-year-old marked his debut as India's Test captain with a stellar run in the India vs England series. Leading from the front, Gill piled up a record-breaking tally of 754 runs and managed to draw the five-match series 2-2. Upon his return, Gill now awaits a comeback to the shorter format as the Men in Blue gear up for the Asia Cup 2025. However, the latest reports suggest that the BCCI is ready to offer more than just a return to the youngster, as Shubman Gill is in line to claim the team's vice-captaincy.
Shubman Gill likely to replace Axar Patel as India's vice-captain for Asia Cup 2025
Recent reports indicate that Axar Patel could lose his position as vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup. The BCCI is preparing to reinstate Shubman Gill as the deputy to Suryakumar Yadav for the ACC tournament in the UAE. According to the update, Gill’s return to the T20I setup is almost certain, with the tournament scheduled to begin on September 9. This would also mark his reinstatement as vice-captain, a role he last held during the India vs Sri Lanka series in July 2024, right after the T20 World Cup, in which he did not play.
Gill's recall comes after a period away from the format. In the meantime, Axar Patel claimed the role, with the selectors, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, opting for the all-rounder as India’s vice-captain for the home series against England. Meanwhile, Gill's absence from T20Is was primarily due to his focus on other formats, as he stayed committed to the Border Gavaskar Trophy and the ICC Champions Trophy before claiming India's Test captaincy ahead of the England tour. But now, with India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign approaching, his return appears imminent.
Right now, Shubman Gill is preparing to lead North Zone in the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy. However, an interesting prospect is likely awaiting the young gun. The board is reportedly considering Gill as India's next all-format captain. With the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup on the horizon, Gill could be made the ODI captain as well. The appointment would allow India a seamless transition, well in time for the Men in Blue to launch into action in South Africa under Gill. The youngster acted as the deputy to Rohit Sharma in Dubai when India lifted the coveted ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
