Shubman Gill has returned to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, and this time, he comes with added responsibility — as the vice-captain. This marks his first T20I appearance since June 2024, when he featured against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. While Gill’s return is seen as a positive for India’s future, it also comes with its own set of controversies and questions — especially concerning Axar Patel and Sanju Samson.
Axar Patel Loses Vice-Captaincy Despite Strong Performance
Gill’s elevation has come at the cost of Axar Patel, who had served as India’s vice-captain in recent matches. Former India opener Aakash Chopra weighed in on the decision during a discussion on Hotstar’s Asia Cup 2025 show, calling the move “a little unfair” to the Delhi Capitals skipper.
“I also feel that it was a little unfair to Axar that he is suddenly not the vice-captain anymore. But that’s my opinion. Team looks fine though,” Chopra remarked, highlighting the sudden change in leadership dynamics.
Despite the fairness debate, selectors clearly see something long-term in Gill. His appointment is not just about this tournament — it reflects a broader vision.
Is Shubman Gill Being Groomed as India’s Future All-Format Captain?
Aakash Chopra believes that naming Shubman Gill as T20I vice-captain is a strategic step towards grooming him as India’s all-format captain.
“Shubman Gill is the new vice-captain for India’s T20I team. What does it mean? It means that India is heading towards him being the all-format captain. He is the Test captain, will eventually be the ODI captain and if he is the vice-captain of the T20I side, that means a future captain is being prepared,” he explained.
But Gill’s elevation also raises a key question — where does he fit into the starting XI, and more importantly, who misses out?
With Gill almost guaranteed a place and expected to open the innings, it might push Sanju Samson out of the playing XI. While Samson has been a dependable name in India’s T20I plans recently, team balance and combinations might see him benched.
According to Chopra, this is exactly why Jitesh Sharma has been included in the squad. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter had a strong IPL 2025 season and offers India a solid option in the middle order — something Samson would’ve otherwise taken care of.
“If he’s the vice-captain, he’ll play. He’s also likely to open. And if he opens, who will miss out? Sanju Samson might miss out on his place in the playing XI. This is the reason Jitesh Sharma’s name is in the team. Because you need a middle-order keeper-batter. So Jitesh has been rewarded for his wonderful performance in the IPL for RCB,” said Chopra.
As India gears up for the Asia Cup, all eyes will be on how these leadership shifts affect the team dynamics — and whether Shubman Gill lives up to the responsibility being placed on his shoulders.
