It was a very surprising decision from the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) when they appointed the Test captain of the Blue Brigade as their new vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which starts on September 09 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) across two venues- Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Many reckoned that Axar Patel should have been the new vice-captain of the side after getting the leadership during the previous home T20I series against England. However, most of them forgot that Hardik Pandya was the leader of the side when Rohit Sharma, the former leader, used to take breaks. The former Indian all-rounder, Suresh Raina, has expressed his wish to see the Baroda player as the new Indian leader.

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“Gill is anyway ahead of Shreyas Iyer (for captaincy), but in white-ball cricket, I think Hardik Pandya will do a lot of good as a captain. He has the experience of Kapil Dev with performances in the batting, bowling, and fielding departments. He is a very positive guy. He is also the captain and gives me a glimpse of Mahi bhai. The way he conducts the team is something I like a lot.” Raina expressed during a podcast video with Shubhankar Mishra.

Suresh Raina wants Hardik Pandya to lead India in T20 World Cup 2026

The 31-year-old pace all-rounder has overall smashed 1812 runs in 90 innings at an average of 27.87 and a strike rate of 141.67, besides picking up 94 wickets at an average of 26.43 and a strike rate of 19.3 and an economy rate of just over eight with the best bowling figure of 4/16 in an inning.

Statements by Suresh Raina:
- Gill over Iyer any day
- Hardik will do miracles as captain
- He has Kapil dev level experience
- He is a player's Captain
- He gives me glimpses of MS Dhoni

Anyways Hardik is always there as a leader,Target Asia cup and T20wc ❤️ pic.twitter.com/c28RZtTQvz

— Nenu (@Nenu_yedavani) August 30, 2025

Hardik was one of the biggest reasons for India winning the T20 World Cup. His inclusion brought balance in the playing eleven as he gave the option of batting at number six and also contributed with four overs in the middle.

During the 2025 season of the IPL, the veteran smashed 224 runs at an average of 24.88 and a strike rate of 163.50, with the best score of unbeaten 48 runs, besides bagging 14 wickets in 14 innings at an average of 24.42. He will look to hold the same rhythm during the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

The Indian selection committee, under the head of selectors Ajit Agarkar, will meet on August 19 to pick the squad for the upcoming 2025 season of the Asia Cup. A few reports earlier claimed that the Test captain of the Blue Brigade, Shubman Gill, was likely to get included in the squad along with the premier pacer, Mohammed Siraj, and the middle-order batter, Shreyas Iyer.

Gill is coming off a fabulous five-match red-ball series in England, where he smashed over 750 runs, which is only second to the legendary opening batter, Sunil Gavaskar, in terms of aggregate in the series. Even in the recent IPL 2025, the right-handed batter crossed the 600-run mark, but those came as an opener. However, the selectors wanted to stick with the current pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.

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There is always room for a third opener, but more than Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal is a strong contender for the spot. However, it’s equally possible that both Jaiswal and Gill don’t get selected for the 20-over event as they look to prepare well for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj likely to miss India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025

The other batters in the squad are likely to be Tilak Verma, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh, with more batting slots to be discussed. Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are also contenders, while Shreyas Iyer, who led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the IPL final, ended as the runners-up of the competition.

Jitesh Sharma, the wicket-keeper batter, is also expected to get a spot. Mohammed Siraj was the leading wicket-taker of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy with an incredible performance. However, he could still struggle to find a place as the premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, will be trusted to lead the attack.

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer, will also carry the new ball. There are discussions of Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana to be included. The veteran seamer, Mohammed Shami, who played the home T20I series against England earlier this year, is unlikely to get selected. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy should be back in the squad as well.

The former World Cup winner for India, Yuvraj Singh, has responded to how the Indian Test captain, Shubman Gill, has brushed aside the doubts on his overseas batting record and led the side to a drawn series of 2-2 margin in England. Gill smacked 754 runs at an average of 75.40 from five games with the help of four centuries.

India lost the opening game at Leeds in Headingley before earning a huge victory by 336 runs at Edgbaston in Birmingham. They couldn’t hold their nerve during the close Lord’s Test but drew the fourth Manchester Test. At Kennington Oval, they earned a close six-run victory.

See Also: "Can't have control..."- Joe Root mocks David Warner's 'surfboard' comment ahead of Ashes 2025/26

“There were a lot of question marks over his overseas record. The guy became the captain and scored four Test hundreds. It's just unbelievable that when you're given responsibility, how you take it. So, very proud of them. I certainly feel it's a win for us, although it's a drawn series, because it's a young team. And it's not easy to go and play well in England and prove yourself.” Yuvraj Singh expressed on ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 event.

Yuvraj Singh lauds India stars after England vs India 2025 Test series

Yuvraj also praised the two spin all-rounder, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, besides explaining how they showed their resilience in the absence of two veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom retired from the longest format of the game.

The moment in the tournament was when India drew the Test series. I've never seen, in a very long time, Washington and Jadeja get hundreds and draw a Test match. That speaks volumes. Jadeja has been there for a long time. But I think Washington Sundar, as a youngster coming into the team, I think it was incredible to do what he did.” The southpaw addressed.

“I think it's just fantastic because I felt when you have a young team going to England, it's a lot of pressure. You're filling the boots of somebody like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma; it's not easy. I think the guys took it head-on.” Yuvraj Singh concluded.

India’s premier batter and Test captain, Shubman Gill, was warmly welcomed in New Delhi on Wednesday, August 13. Upon his arrival, the 25-year-old posed for photos with police officers and enthusiastic young fans, soaking in the admiration and support from cricket lovers.

Shubman’s recent stint in England saw him take charge as India’s Test captain for the first time during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The five-match series proved to be an intense contest, with both sides battling fiercely across conditions and finishing the series in a 2-2 draw. Gill’s leadership and batting were key highlights throughout the tour.

The young captain has quickly earned praise for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen on the field. Fans and cricket analysts alike are excited to see how he continues to shape India’s Test squad in upcoming series, with expectations running high for his leadership and performance.

See Also: WATCH: Star RCB batter smashes 26 runs off Rashid Khan's over in Men's The Hundred 2025

Shubman Gill Spotted in Delhi:

The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy marked India’s first Test series without veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from red-ball cricket in May. Shubman Gill took charge as captain, leading a young and inexperienced Indian team with composure and skill through the tough conditions of England.

Shubman Gill led India with the bat, amassing 754 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 75.40, including four centuries. His consistent performances and strong leadership earned him Player of the Series honors, helping India secure a thrilling 2-2 draw in the five-match Test series.

Ahead of India’s upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, starting September 9, Shubman Gill arrived in New Delhi with friends. The star batter warmly interacted with fans, pausing to pose for photos and share moments with supporters, showcasing his approachable side off the field while preparing for the next major international challenge.

 

 

 

 

 

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India’s Men in Blue have been placed in Group A with the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman for the Asia Cup 2025. The team will begin their campaign against the UAE on Wednesday, September 10, in Dubai, aiming to start strong in the tournament while navigating a competitive group stage that includes regional rivals and emerging teams.

Shubman Gill to Captain North Zone:

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, Shubman Gill will captain North Zone in the Duleep Trophy, which kicks off the 2025-26 domestic season on August 28. His squad includes international talents like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Anshul Kamboj, who made his Test debut during India’s England tour earlier this year. Gill’s leadership will be crucial as North Zone aims to start the season on a high.

Other domestic teams will also feature prominent players in leadership roles. Tilak Varma will lead South Zone, Ishan Kishan will captain East Zone, Dhruv Jurel will helm Central Zone, Shardul Thakur will guide West Zone, and Jonathan Rongsen will take charge of North East Zone. These appointments highlight the blend of youth and experience across India’s domestic circuit, providing players an opportunity to impress ahead of international duties.

Shubman Gill’s life regarding the captaincy of the Indian team has changed hugely. When he landed in England with the young squad for the five-match Test series, many questioned whether he could be the right person to be in the position. But in seven weeks, his life has changed, as the drawn five-match series has elevated the batter to possibly become the Blue Brigade’s new vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav has already started batting in the nets at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is on the road to gaining full fitness ahead of the Asia Cup. On the other hand, Gill made his T20I debut for India during last year’s series in Sri Lanka. However, there will be questions on his position on the side with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson taking the opening slots.

See Also: Toss update and playing XI from AUS vs SA 1st T20I in Darwin

The Punjab-born smashed 578 runs in 21 T20I innings at an average of 30.42 and a strike rate of 139.27, scoring three half-centuries and one century at the best score of unbeaten 126 runs. He has batted pretty well at number three and in the opening T20I positions.

Shubman Gill to become India’s vice-captain in Asia Cup 2025

The captain of the Gujarat Titans smashed 650 runs in 15 innings of the IPL 2025 at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 155.87, thanks to six half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 93 runs. In the previous six editions, he has scored over 400 runs successively, which is a huge positive for the selectors.

When Gill was named the captain of India C in the Deodhar Trophy in the 2019-20 season, there was confidence in grooming the new young leader. He broke Virat Kohli’s record as the youngest captain to lead a side in the trophy’s final. With Gill setting a high standard in the longest format in England, with over 750 runs, he looked settled.

However, Asia Cup will bring a different challenge to his career, as he may look to aim and plan better for the upcoming T20 World Cup and later for the ODI World Cup 2025 in the future.

The entire seven weeks of the five-match Test series between England and India had been incredibly fantastic. There were several moments where one went up and the other came back to pull them down. At the end, it was the fitting finish with Mohammed Siraj breaking the stumps of Gus Akinson to end the series on a 2-1 margin.

The ICC has revealed a few records from the five fixtures. India’s six-run victory at the Kennington Oval during the fifth clash is their smallest victory by runs in the longest format. It overtook India's 13-run win over Australia in Mumbai 21 years ago when they defended 106. In over 2600 games of men’s Test matches, it’s the seventh narrowest win.

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The five games saw 7187 runs being scored across the two teams, which is the most in a five-match Test series. It has been bettered by only the 1993 Ashes series in the United Kingdom when 7221 runs were smashed. India’s Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul became the sixth trio in Test history to pass 500 runs in the same series.

ICC scripts new historic records from England vs India 2025 Test series

Only four other series have ever had three matches with the first innings gaps under 30 runs, including the last Ashes 2023. There were 45 bowled dismissals in the series, which is the most in any men’s Test series since 1984, and the most in a series held in England since 1976. Jasprit Bumrah, despite playing just three of the five games, claimed 10 wickets via this route.

The teams went through all the scheduled days of the series, with Mohammed Siraj bowling 18 of those 25 days. The last five-match Test series to go through all 25 days was the 2017/18 Ashes down under, with the tourists ending on a 4-0 defeat.

It was only the fourth time since 200 that a five-match series has seen all five clashes go to the five days, with the other instances being England’s tour of South Africa in 2004/05 and South Africa’s tour of West Indies 24 years ago.

The third day of the fifth Test in the five-match Test series between England and India at the Kennington Oval was built with an anticipation of the Indian captain Shubman Gill breaking the record of Sunil Gavaskar, who has the most runs for India in a red-ball series. Gill finished 20 runs short of the record, where Gavaskar got 774 runs in the West Indies.

Shubman Gill has now topped the list of most runs for a visiting captain in a Test series, overtaking Garry Sobers’ 722 runs in 1966. The Punjab-born became the first visiting captain to hit four Test centuries in a series. At Edgbaston, he thumped the second most runs in a Test match with 430, under Graham Gooch’s 466 runs.

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‘You know, in anticipation of him going past my record, I got something for him. But, I mean, this is all in God’s hands. However, 754 runs is fantastic. The difference is that the 754 runs have come in addition to the captaincy. Mine was different. I was a baby in the team. It would not have mattered. If I failed, nobody would have given a hoot about me.’ Sunil Gavaskar expressed on Sony Sports.

Watch: Sunil Gavaskar comments on Shubman Gill’s 754 runs during ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

‘But to be the captain, and score 750+ runs, and those 750+ runs are making a difference to his side’s fortune. That was special. Don’t go by those 20 runs. Just see what those 754 runs have done for Indian cricket.’ He added on the Indian captain, who became the first player to hit a double century and a 150+ score in a Test match.

Sunil Gavaskar about Shubman Gill's 754 runs series.#SunilGavaskar #ShubmanGill #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/vVQOkZYq7A

— R 🤍 (@cricketnbooks) August 3, 2025

Gill became the fourth player to hit 700+ runs in a Test series without a fifty. His 269 runs at Edgbaston were also the highest score for an Indian captain in the longest format. Gill is also the third Indian captain to hit twin centuries in a Test match, along with Gavaskar and Virat Kohli.

Gill became the fifth player to score a double in Tests and ODIs, and he now has the highest individual score of 269 at number four. He also ended as the third Indian captain to hit twin centuries in a Test match alongside Gill and Gavaskar.

Just after Mohammed Siraj bluffed Zak Crawley with an over-pitched delivery broke the stumps at the end of the third day’s play during the fifth Test of the five-match series between England and India at Kennington Oval in South London, Shubman Gill, India’s captain, was walking back to the dressing room, when he met the former captain, Sunil Gavaskar.

Shubman Gill narrowly missed out on breaking an iconic record with the bat for Indian cricket, but he had already scripted a memorable period for the Blue Brigade in the series. The cameras found the heartwarming moment when Gavaskar gifted Gill a signed cap and shirt as a gesture of respect and love towards the youngster.

See Also: Top 5 successful Test run chases at Kennington Oval in last 100 years

‘This is a little cap, which I give to very few people with my signature.’ Gavaskar told Gill as he handed over a shirt and cap to the Punjab-born before promising him to wear his lucky jacket for the fourth and potentially the last day of the series, as India eye to draw the series by a 2-2 margin.

Watch: Sunil Gavaskar meets Shubman Gill for special priceless gift

Gill finished the series with 754 runs in 10 innings, falling just 21 runs short of Gavaskar, who still holds the record for the most runs scored for the side in the red-ball series. However, it was incredible from the Indian captain, especially after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the new leader of the side after his retirement, along with taking the number four spot of Virat Kohli.

A wholesome moment between Shubman Gill & Sunil Gavaskar 😍#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/2wYhLiMCAR

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2025

The only place where Gill struggled was in London, which is why his numbers were not exciting during the two games at Lord’s and Oval. Otherwise, he smashed centuries at Leeds and Old Trafford besides drilling a fine double century to mark India’s 336-run victory at Edgbaston.

India set a huge target of 374 runs for the Ollie Pope-led side. The home openers nearly saw them through the day with a 50-run stand, before Siraj injected new life and energy in the team with Crawley’s wicket as they eye to earn their third victory at this venue to draw the series and walk off the trip with their heads high.

It was late in the evening session of the second day during the fifth Test between England and India at the Kennington Oval when the management sent Akash Deep as the nightwatchman in place of the touring captain, Shubman Gill, who was next in the line-up after the dismissal of Sai Sudharsan. But he was a vital member of the side, especially after going through such a fine series with the bat. 

Many expected Gill to arrive at the crease in the first 30 minutes of the third day. But a half-century from Akash Deep meant the Punjab-born had just 10 minutes to survive before the lunch break. The first three balls were turned down before he latched onto the short and wide ball to smack it through the point region for a boundary.

See Also: Who is the Jofra Archer lookalike seen fielding as a substitute on Day 3 of the ENG vs IND 5th Test?

Just two balls before the end of the first session, the right-handed batter creamed the drive through the covers against Josh Tongue for another four. Many expected the batter to put up another huge knock in the innings. But he couldn’t survive after the break, more than one delivery.

Watch: Shubman Gill trapped LBW on 11 during ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

On the very first ball of the second session, England sent back the batter for 11 runs in nine balls. It was a nip backer from Gus Atkinson as the batter planted his front leg a long way across the bat, and then the pad became the impediment for the bat to come through with the ball angles inwards. The umpire raised his finger as Gill walked back to the pavilion after burning a review.

First ball after lunch! ☝

Atkinson traps Gill infront! 👏

🇮🇳1⃣8⃣9⃣-4⃣ pic.twitter.com/hRZvMQ2YvJ

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 2, 2025

He ended the series as the second leading run-getter for India in a red-ball series with 754 runs. Sunil Gavaskar remained at the top with 774 runs in 1971 against the West Indies. He also finished as the second leading run-getter as a captain in a Test series, under Don Bradman, who got 810 runs in 1963/67 for Australia.

However, it had been a great series for the batter, who replaced Virat Kohli at number four and became the new captain of the side, in place of Rohit Sharma.

Shubman Gill soaked up the applause and celebrated his fourth century of the five-match series against England during the fourth fixture at Old Trafford in Manchester. But India would have loved to see their captain be at the crease for a longer period, at least for another hour till the second new ball gets old.

In most cases, a celebration of any landmark or the period where the breaks come, players tend to lose concentration. This series has become a routine. Whether it’s the Tea break or lunch, India have lost wickets out of nowhere, and it continues in Manchester as Gill got an outside edge to Jofra Archer into the hands of the wicket-keeper.

See Also: [WATCH] Former India star reflects on Shubman Gill and KL Rahul's partnership in ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Earlier, the Punjab-born had already got one chance when an uppish drive to Ben Stokes was nearly caught by Ollie Pope, who timed his jump rightly, but the speed of the delivery burst through the soft fingers of the Surrey batter. Later, a nothing ball, short and wide, got the outside edge of Gill, who went back to the shades for 103 runs in 238 balls.

Watch: Jofra Archer dismisses Shubman Gill during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

It could have been a disaster for the visitors who had nearly lost Ravindra Jadeja on the very next delivery. The southpaw got an outside edge into the slip region, as fortunately, Joe Root dropped the catch after three juggles on his hand. It was nearly a replica of the fourth day when they lost both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan on successive balls.

Jofra Archer gets the BIG wicket of Shubman Gill 👊

India four down!

🇮🇳 2️⃣2️⃣3️⃣-4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/EmmbbQT0JP

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2025

India lost KL Rahul early in the morning session. The ball from Ben Stokes didn’t bounce as the batter expected and was hit on his knee. The fast bowler went for cerebral while Rahul didn’t even bother thinking of a review, which could have been dead, hitting the middle of middle stump.

India would look to take a lead in the third innings and take some time out of the contest. They are still not in the driver’s seat, but if they can show resilience and grit with the bat in the two sessions, they can keep the fifth Kennington Oval Test in South London alive.