New Delhi, Aug 12: Shubman Gill’s sparkling form in the recent Test series against England has put him in the spotlight ahead of India’s Asia Cup T20 squad selection. However, the young opener will have to contend with all-rounder Axar Patel for the role of vice-captain when the team heads to the UAE next month.The competition between the two stems from recent leadership roles. Axar served as vice-captain during India’s home T20 series against England, while Gill was deputy when Suryakumar Yadav was first appointed full-time T20 captain for the Sri Lanka tour last year. The final call on who will be Suryakumar’s second-in-command could depend on the team balance the selectors aim for.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead India’s bowling attack in the Asia Cup. However, team management may rest him for the opening Test against the West Indies in early October to manage his workload.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will meet on August 19 or 20 to finalise the squad. The decision will be taken after the Sports Science team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) submits medical fitness updates on all players. Among them is captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has already begun batting practice at the nets in Bengaluru as part of his recovery.
Sources indicate that the selectors are keen to maintain continuity in the squad, given the team’s strong performance since Suryakumar took over as captain. The likely top order will feature Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya, providing stability and flexibility in the batting line-up.
With both Gill and Axar having proven leadership experience in the T20 format, the choice for vice-captain is expected to be one of the most closely watched decisions when the Asia Cup squad is announced.
