Asia Cup 2025: “The shape of Shubman Gill in England goes beyond expectations” – Ajit Agarkar on the team of Vice -Capitaine de l’Inda | Cricket news

The chief selector of India, Ajit Agarkar, has clarified certain key decisions taken during the announcement of the Asia Cup 2025 T20 team, in particular the omission of Shreyas Iyer and the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Despite the high performance of Iyer, including half a century against Australia in December 2023, Agarkar explained that the composition of the final team had left it little room. “Regarding Shreyas, I mean, you have to tell him who he can replace. No sound fault, nor ours. It’s just that we have to choose 15 for the moment, he will have to wait for his luck,” said Agarkar. One of the main discussion points was the promotion of Gill as vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav, replacing Axar Patel. Agarkar congratulated Gill’s recent performance, especially during the England series, where he exceeded expectations. “The form of Gill in England was something we expected, but he has exceeded all of this. There are more options for the first order now and Shubman was still in great shape. When they arrive in Dubai, they can decide from the XI of play according to the opposition and the conditions,” he noted.

Agarkar also recalled that Gill had previously been vice-captain after the last T20 World Cup, suggesting that this decision has been in preparation for some time. “Now that it is available, at least Suryakumar has two options. It is their headache to choose the range of strikers. Ours was to choose the 15 and we have real depth in the T20 cricket,” he added. In the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Agarkar said it was an unhappy call, but stressed that Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion was influenced by his ability to contribute to the ball. The Asian 2025 Cup begins on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, India entering the tournament under the leadership and Gill de Suryakumar as his assistant.