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The countdown has begun for the Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The tournament will feature eight top Asian teams competing in the T20I format, with fans eagerly awaiting high-voltage clashes. For India, the biggest talking point after the squad announcement has been the elevation of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the team.
Gill’s appointment came as a surprise to many, considering his mixed record in T20 internationals. For some experts, his inclusion in the squad itself was not guaranteed, given his strike rate has often been questioned in the shortest format. Yet, the selectors and management showed faith in him, citing his strong performances in Tests and overall leadership qualities.
Here are three reasons why Shubman Gill will shine as India’s vice-captain in the Asia Cup 2025:
1. Proven leadership skills under pressure
Gill has already established himself as a reliable leader in international cricket. His stint as India’s Test captain in England recently showcased not only his batting class but also his ability to handle pressure and make smart tactical decisions. He backed youngsters, rotated his bowlers effectively, and set the tone with his own performances at the top of the order.
In T20Is, leadership is even more crucial as decisions need to be taken within seconds — be it setting aggressive fields, changing bowling options, or managing the run rate in a chase. Gill’s composure and clarity could make a big difference in crunch situations, complementing Suryakumar’s aggressive leadership style.
Also READ: Fans react as BCCI appoints Shubman Gill as vice-captain in India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025
2. Solid form and adaptability with the bat
While critics often highlight Gill’s strike rate, his overall batting consistency cannot be ignored. He has developed the knack of adjusting his approach depending on match situations. If wickets fall early, Gill can steady the ship; if the team needs acceleration, he has the ability to shift gears. In the recent England series, Gill amassed 754 runs in 5 Tests with the help of 4 centuries.
His adaptability across formats has made him one of the most dependable batters in world cricket today. In the IPL, Gill has proven himself on multiple occasions, scoring impactful knocks and playing anchor roles for his franchise. With the Asia Cup taking place in conditions where batters who pace their innings tend to succeed, Gill could prove invaluable at the top of the order.
3. Experience of playing in UAE conditions
The UAE is not new territory for Gill. Having featured in multiple IPL seasons hosted in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, as well as international assignments, Gill has built an understanding of how these pitches behave. Conditions in the UAE are often challenging — slower surfaces, variable bounce, and long boundaries demand intelligent shot selection rather than blind power-hitting.
Gill’s style of cricket suits these conditions. His ability to find gaps, rotate the strike, and build partnerships will be crucial for India. In high-pressure games, such as against Pakistan, Gill’s experience in these conditions could help India lay strong foundations for big totals or tricky chases.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav reveals the strategic reason behind Shubman Gill’s T20I recall
