Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, is likely to be excluded from the Asia Cup 2025 squad despite strong performances and support from key figures like Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar. The selection committee is scheduled to meet on August 19 to finalize the squad, and reports suggest that Gill may not make the cut for the T20I event.

Gill's recent form has been impressive. In the recently concluded Test series in England, he scored 754 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer for India in a Test series, only behind Sunil Gavaskar. He also had a strong IPL 2025 season, amassing 650 runs. In 2025, Gill played 8 ODI matches and scored 447 runs, including 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 ODI batsman in the world, with 784 points.

Despite these achievements, several factors contribute to the possibility of his exclusion. The primary reason is the crowded top-order batting lineup in the T20 format. Selectors are reportedly favoring Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as openers, with Yashasvi Jaiswal as a backup opener. Some reports suggest that the team management is not keen on including Gill as a backup option. They believe that if Gill is selected, he should bat at the top, and if he doesn't get a game, there is no point in including him in the squad.

Harbhajan Singh has voiced his support for Gill's inclusion, emphasizing that T20 cricket is not just about big hitting and that Gill's solid technique and adaptability make him a potential T20 dominator. He highlighted Gill's ability to score runs consistently in the IPL and his capability to bat at a high strike rate when needed. However, Gill's reputation rests more on elegant, technically sound stroke play than explosive power-hitting, which could see him slip behind the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian batter, has also sparked debate by including Gill in his predicted 15-member squad but excluding him from the playing XI. Kaif's choices feature Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as openers, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side.

The Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the T20 format, is scheduled to begin on September 9. The tournament is seen as vital preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February. India is in Group A along with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, and they are slated to meet Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, who will consider various factors such as team balance, player form, and T20I specific skills before announcing the final squad.