The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday, August 19. The tournament, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, will see India aiming to reclaim regional dominance under Gautam Gambhir‘s guidance. One of the major talking points from the squad announcement was the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I side after more than six months.
The selectors, however, left out young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, a decision that has sparked discussions among experts and fans alike. While Gill’s recent form across formats made him a strong contender, Jaiswal’s omission raised eyebrows given his proven ability in T20 cricket.
Madan Lal surprised by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omission
Former India all-rounder Madan Lal expressed his surprise at the exclusion of Jaiswal. Speaking to ANI soon after the announcement, Lal emphasized that players who possess the ability to turn matches single-handedly should always find a place in the squad.
“Sometimes you feel surprised that a player like Yashasvi Jaiswal is not in the team. Gill is a good choice as he is performing well. In the coming time, it is possible that Gill will play in all three formats… The players who make the team win a match must not be left out. We have such a good team that we may win the Asia Cup,” Lal remarked.
Lal’s comments underline the importance of having proven match-winners in the mix, especially in a high-stakes tournament like the Asia Cup where even a single performance can shift momentum.
Jaiswal’s impressive T20 form
Despite missing out on recent T20I series, Jaiswal has consistently impressed in the shortest format. His last appearance for India came in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, after which Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were preferred as openers.
The 22-year-old, however, roared back into form during IPL 2025, amassing 559 runs at a blistering strike rate of 160. His aggressive intent at the top of the order made him one of the standout performers of the season. Comparatively, Gill enjoyed an equally strong season with 650 runs at a strike rate of 156, also guiding Gujarat Titans into the playoffs.
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