Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain, Bumrah Returns as India Unveil Asia Cup Squad

Gill Named Vice-Captain, Bumrah Returns as India Announce Squad for Asia Cup T20.

India’s Test skipper Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain of the national T20 side, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah makes his return in a 15-member squad named for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup T20. The squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, was announced on Tuesday (19 August) by selection chief Ajit Agarkar following a meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.

The Asia Cup, to be held in the UAE from 9–28 September, marks India’s first T20I assignment since the home series against England in January. India open their campaign against hosts UAE in Dubai on 10 September, before facing arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on 14 September. Their final group game is against Oman in Abu Dhabi on 19 September.

Selection calls and key changes

The selectors sought balance between continuity and form. Sanju Samson has been confirmed as first-choice wicketkeeper, while Jitesh Sharma edged out Dhruv Jurel for the second slot, rewarded for his finishing exploits in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title run.

Gill’s return to the T20I setup comes with added responsibility, as he replaces Axar Patel as deputy to Suryakumar. His elevation also hints at a possible opening role, with Abhishek Sharma and Samson providing alternate options. The middle order features heavy hitters Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma.

The all-round options remain robust with Axar, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube offering balance. Meanwhile, Bumrah headlines a three-pronged pace attack alongside Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. The spin unit comprises Kuldeep Yadav, Axar, and Varun Chakravarthy, though Washington Sundar misses out.

“Captain and coach will decide the best combination once we reach Dubai. We’ve got more options now—Shubman’s form has been outstanding, and Sanju’s too. Both, along with Abhishek, give us strong choices at the top,” Agarkar said.

Asia Cup squad highlights

• Shubman Gill named vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel
• Jasprit Bumrah back in pace attack with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh
• Sanju Samson first-choice wicketkeeper; Jitesh Sharma preferred as backup
• Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube included as pace-bowling all-rounders
• Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy picked as specialist spinners
• No Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, or Washington Sundar in the squad