In a significant development ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 in the UAE, India is set to hand Shubman Gill the T20I vice-captaincy, marking a major shift in the team’s leadership structure. According to a RevSportz report, Gill’s impressive form and growing stature within the national setup have convinced the BCCI to include him in the leadership group for the marquee event.
Gill, who has been away from the T20I scene since the 2024 Sri Lanka series, is expected to deputise for Suryakumar Yadav, who is recovering from injury but is on track to regain full fitness before the tournament. This promotion follows Gill’s stellar performances on the England tour, where he also led India in Tests, earning widespread praise for his batting and captaincy.
Opening Spot or No. 3?
While Gill’s comeback to the shortest format is now all but certain, questions remain about his batting position. Will he reclaim his place at the top of the order, or slot in at No. 3? His IPL record speaks volumes—890 runs at a strike rate of 157.80 in 2023, 426 at 147.40 in 2024, and 650 at 155.88 in 2025 for Gujarat Titans. Team insiders believe his ability to anchor innings could prove vital on the slower UAE pitches, especially in high-pressure clashes against rivals like Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma’s Future Under Scrutiny
The RevSportz report also hints at a long-term leadership transition. While Rohit Sharma remains a key figure in ODIs, the BCCI no longer sees him as the long-term captain, with Gill being groomed to lead India at the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. For now, Rohit’s focus is expected to shift towards the ODI format, IPL commitments, and possibly a reduced role in T20Is.
From Young Prospect to Leader
Gill’s rise to leadership has been years in the making. Back in 2019, he became the youngest captain in Deodhar Trophy history, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record. That team featured names like Suryakumar Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Dinesh Karthik, and Axar Patel—many of whom are now his teammates in the national setup.
With the Asia Cup just weeks away, Gill’s elevation is being seen as more than just a tactical move—it’s the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket, where the baton of leadership is slowly passing to the next generation.
