As India gears up for the ACC Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE this September, the team finds itself facing a familiar dilemma, who will lead the Men in Blue in the absence of regular T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav?
The swashbuckling batter, who took over the reins after Rohit Sharma’s T20I retirement, is still recovering from sports hernia surgery and is unlikely to return in time for the multi-nation tournament. That’s left the selectors with two clear frontrunners, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, each bringing a unique flavour of leadership to the table.
Suryakumar Sidelined
The timing of Suryakumar’s injury couldn’t have been worse. After being entrusted with the T20I leadership post-World Cup, his absence leaves a gap at the top. With the Asia Cup confirmed and India’s participation greenlit by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the pressure is now on the BCCI and selectors to name a new leader.
India’s group stage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan is scheduled for September 14. A high-pressure match, which demands a captain who can handle the heat and inspire confidence in a relatively young T20I squad.
Gill’s Rise: Calm, Composed and Consistent
Enter Shubman Gill, the elegant opener who’s grown in stature over the past year. Not only did he lead a young Test side to a respectable 2-2 draw in England, but he also finished the series as the top run-scorer. That performance has reportedly impressed chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who sees Gill as a long-term leadership option.
Gill’s quiet confidence and strong performances have made him a fan favourite. His age, consistency and recent captaincy experience make a strong case for his appointment.
Hardik Still in the Mix
Then there’s Hardik Pandya. He’s got the experience, a T20 World Cup win under his belt, and a leadership stint with the Mumbai Indians. Many had assumed he would seamlessly succeed Rohit Sharma across formats, especially in T20Is.
But injuries have hampered his availability, and that’s made the selectors cautious. While his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad seems likely, whether he’s fit enough to take on the leadership role again remains to be seen.
Still, don’t count him out. Pandya’s leadership in crunch moments, along with his ability to galvanise a squad, keeps him firmly in the race.
Final Call Expected Soon
With the Asia Cup just a month away, the BCCI is expected to name its squad in the second week of August. Until then, the debate rages on: should India opt for the calm, in-form Gill or take a punt on the experienced but injury-prone Pandya?
Either way, this decision could shape India’s approach not just for the Asia Cup, but for the build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2026 as well.
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