Reports: Suryakumar Yadav opposed Shubman Gill's selection in Asia Cup 2025 squad, Gautam Gambhir had final say

Shubman Gill made a comeback to T20I cricket during the 2025 T20 Asia Cup in September. He had not been considered by the national selectors for the shortest format of the game since the T20I series against Sri Lanka in July 2024. However, the Punjab batter returned to the lineup for the eight-team competition and was also appointed as the vice-captain.

Shubman didn't have a memorable time in the campaign, scoring just 127 runs from seven innings at an average of 21.17. He failed to register a half-century during the campaign. However, he did forge a couple of blistering opening partnerships with Abhishek Sharma, who eventually won the Player of the Tournament award.

According to a report from CricBlogger, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav wasn't too keen on having Shubman back in the lineup. The experienced campaigner felt that Shubman's orthodox batting approach didn't align with the kind of aggressive cricket the Men in Blue had been playing since he had taken charge. Suryakumar mentioned his reservations to head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.

However, Gambhir and the selectors highlighted the Gujarat Titans' captain's recent consistency and long-term value as an all-format player. They took the final call and Shubman made a comeback ahead of the continental competition. The decision was communicated to Suryakumar minutes before the final squad was announced and this reportedly came as a surprise to the 35-year-old.

Shubman is believed to be in line to become India's next all-format captain. He started his tenure as India's red-ball captain during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year. On Sunday, October 19, he led the Indian team in ODI cricket for the first time.

However, Shubman might have to wait a little longer before taking charge in the shortest format. Suryakumar has done a splendid job since taking charge of the T20 team last year. India has not lost a series under his leadership as yet. It will be a massive surprise if the 35-year-old does not lead the Asian giants in the T20 World Cup next year.