A surprising recall for Gill
Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain for India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has sparked debate across the cricketing world. The stylish opener, who last featured in a T20I in July 2024, has been brought back into the shortest format amid strong competition for top-order places.
Gill’s recall follows an impressive IPL 2025 campaign with Gujarat Titans, where he piled up 650 runs in 15 games at a strike rate of 155.88, including six half-centuries. His performances underlined his white-ball pedigree, but former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has raised questions about the reasoning behind the decision.
Uthappa: “Marketing and business narrative also takes precedence”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa argued that Gill’s return was not solely based on form and performance. Instead, he suggested that commercial considerations had also played a role.
“I think the marketing and business narrative also takes precedence, which is why he is brought in. You want certain superstars to take the game forward. Shubman is going to be one of them.”
— Robin Uthappa
Uthappa went on to highlight that Indian cricket has a history of backing select players with superstar potential, even when competition is fierce.
“From an Indian cricket perspective, at all kinds of eras, you have always had superstars and they have backed a particular player for the sake of Indian cricket. I think that narrative is continued to be followed right now.”
— Robin Uthappa
Balancing merit with marketability
The selectors’ decision has created a buzz because Gill is being reintroduced to T20Is at a time when India has several young batting options in form. While his IPL numbers support the selection, Uthappa’s comments suggest that the BCCI may also be looking to position Gill as one of the faces of Indian cricket, combining performance with brand appeal.
Gill is expected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma in the Asia Cup, with India captained by Suryakumar Yadav.
Asia Cup 2025: the road ahead
The Asia Cup begins on September 9 in the UAE, with India facing the hosts in their opener on September 10. Their highly anticipated clash against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, while the final will be played on September 28.
For now, Gill’s elevation to vice-captain — and the debate it has triggered — ensures that India’s preparations for the tournament will be watched just as closely off the field as on it.
