Harbhajan Singh Backs Shubman Gill for Asia Cup 2025 Selection

India’s cricket selectors are faced with a challenging decision as they prepare to announce the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. A key point of discussion is the inclusion of Test captain Shubman Gill, who has impressed in recent performances. The Asia Cup will be significant as it marks India’s first major tournament without renowned players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both instrumental in the team’s previous successes.

The Indian T20I batting lineup is already packed with formidable talent, including Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. Each of these players brings explosive strike rates, making the decision to include Gill a complex one. For context, the current top six T20I batters in India have impressive strike rates: Abhishek Sharma leads with 193.84, followed closely by Suryakumar Yadav at 167.07, and Yashasvi Jaiswal at 164.31. Gill, in contrast, has a strike rate of 139.27 from his 21 T20I appearances.

Harbhajan Singh, a former spinner for the Indian team, advocates strongly for Gill’s inclusion in the squad. In an interview with Times of India, he emphasized Gill’s versatility and ability to adapt to different formats. “In the T20 format, it’s important to understand that it’s not just about big hitting,” said Harbhajan. “If Shubman decides to attack, he can match anyone, because he is a very solid player with strong basics.”

Gill’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has also been noteworthy. He has consistently scored runs, even earning the prestigious Orange Cap in the past. Harbhajan noted, “He doesn’t bat only at a strike rate of 120 or 130; he can also bat at a strike rate of 160.” This highlights Gill’s capability to perform under pressure, something that could benefit the Indian team in the Asia Cup.

When discussing potential squad selections, Harbhajan suggested a roster that includes Gill alongside other prominent players such as Jaiswal, Sharma, Yadav, and Pandya. His proposed list for the Asia Cup includes: “Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav – the captain, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag for the middle order, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant.”

As India prepares for the Asia Cup, the absence of Kohli and Sharma signifies a pivotal moment in the team’s evolution. Harbhajan remarked, “Cricket never stops for anyone. Whether we talk about the time of Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, or Sachin Tendulkar, the game has always gone on. Someone or the other comes in and takes the team forward.”

This transition marks the beginning of a new era for the Indian cricket team, one that Harbhajan believes is in capable hands. He stated, “The way Shubman Gill and his teammates have played in England… Rohit and Virat have left their legacy in the right hands. We have seen the shift happen smoothly.”

As the announcement date approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the selectors will prioritize Gill’s talent and experience for the Asia Cup 2025. Harbhajan’s confidence in Gill suggests that the young captain could play a crucial role in India’s quest for success in this important tournament.