With the thrilling red-ball series against England now wrapped up, India is gearing up for an exciting white-ball season, starting with the Asia Cup 2025. Fans are already buzzing with questions like will Shubman Gill play Asia Cup 2025, and rightly so, as both Gill and Jaiswal, fresh off impressive Test performances, are strong contenders for the squad. As selectors finalize the India playing XI in Asia Cup 2025, all eyes will be on the batting order of India, which could see a refreshing mix of youth and experience lighting up the crease.
Related Article：Player of the Series for England vs India Series — Too Close to Call?
Contents
The Likely India playing XI in Asia Cup 2025
Apart from Shubman Gill, a few other rising stars and seasoned campaigners are rumoured to be in contention for a spot in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, both of whom recently featured in the red-ball series against England, are reportedly high on the selectors’ radar thanks to their consistent IPL 2025 performances. Shreyas Iyer, too, is tipped for a return after regaining form and fitness, bringing stability to India’s middle order. The BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce the official squad in the third week of August.
🚨 Shubman Gill is expected to make his return to India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup — this time as Vice-Captain! 🚨
— JassPreet (@JassPreet96) August 5, 2025
Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya’s impressive run in IPL 2025 has revived his chances of a comeback, offering India a valuable spin-bowling all-rounder option. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remain key figures, though their final selection hinges on the results of upcoming fitness assessments. With competition heating up and several top performers pushing for selection, the India playing XI in Asia Cup 2025 is likely to see a mix of youth and experience, keeping fans guessing about the final batting order of India.
Will Shubman Gill Play Asia Cup 2025?
With India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad set to be announced soon, Shubman Gill is eyeing a return to the T20I fold after a lengthy absence. But his path to the playing XI, and even the 17-member squad, is anything but straightforward. A host of in-form players currently occupy the top-order slots, leaving little room for experimentation. Let’s take a look at the key names Gill will be competing with for a top-order role.
Bringing the 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮 on every pitch he plays 🌀
Abhishek Sharma | #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/5Wq8JL7076
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) August 7, 2025
Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek has become a revelation at the top of the order. His explosive powerplay hitting has earned him a regular spot in India’s T20I setup since the 2024 T20 World Cup. With a left-handed option and the ability to bowl handy overs, he brings valuable versatility—something Gill lacks in the shortest format.
🚨 SANJU SAMSON FOR ASIA CUP 🚨
Sanju Samson will be the first choice wicket-keeper for Asia Cup 2025. [Vaibhav Bhola] pic.twitter.com/IN3bmxFcbv
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 7, 2025
Sanju Samson
Samson has finally found consistency in T20Is and was a key figure during India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. Often used as an opener or No. 3, his aggressive style and ability to accelerate from ball one make him a preferred pick in the current setup. He’s also one of the few players who can seamlessly shift between top-order and middle-order roles.
Tilak Varma
Another left-hander in the mix, Tilak has become India’s go-to No. 3 in T20Is. Calm under pressure and highly flexible, Tilak’s inclusion is now almost automatic thanks to his performances post-World Cup. He’s also proven his ability to adapt to conditions—crucial for tournaments in the UAE.
🚨GOOD NEWS FOR INDIAN CRICKET 🚨
– Suryakumar Yadav will lead Indian team in the Asia Cup 2025. [Vaibhav Bhola from News 24 Sports] pic.twitter.com/k3cmA0gaqJ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 5, 2025
Suryakumar Yadav
The most experienced of the lot, Surya is the backbone of India’s T20I batting. Currently slotted at No. 4, SKY brings innovation, flair, and experience—making him an undisputed pick in the XI. Unless there’s a sudden drop in form, his place is not up for debate.
Yashasvi Jaiswal with the Asian Games Gold Medal.
– The future star….!!!! pic.twitter.com/MPzuIgE0XL
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 7, 2023
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Like Gill, Jaiswal is a top-order player, but his advantage lies in his aggressive intent from ball one. A left-right combo with Samson makes him tactically valuable. He has also had more T20I exposure in recent months, including in crucial games abroad.
Sai Sudharsan
Sudharsan’s consistency in IPL 2025 and solid performances in the Test arena have propelled him into white-ball consideration. While not yet a T20I regular, he is highly rated by selectors for his temperament and match awareness. His ability to bat at No. 3 or 4 gives him a slight edge over Gill, who is primarily an opener.
Batting Order of India
Even if Shubman Gill is selected in the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, breaking into the India playing XI in Asia Cup 2025 won’t be easy. The current T20I top-order is firing on all cylinders, and that makes Gill’s comeback challenge even steeper. As it stands, India’s top four in T20Is includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav. Each bringing a unique, explosive dimension to the lineup.
Abhishek gives India blistering starts in the powerplay and is a handy spin option. Samson has grown into a reliable top-order aggressor with improved consistency, while Tilak adds left-handed stability at No. 3. Then there’s SKY—India’s Mr. 360°—whose spot is non-negotiable at No. 4. Given this settled combination, Gill, who prefers to build his innings gradually, doesn’t fit the current aggressive template easily.
The batting order of India has clearly shifted towards high-impact hitters who can dominate from ball one. While Gill’s form against England was strong, selectors may favour players with recent T20I match time. So, while fans keep asking will Shubman Gill play Asia Cup 2025, the real question might be: even if he does, can he break into a lineup that looks increasingly locked in?
Where Does Shubman Gill Fit In?
As the selectors prepare to unveil the squad for the Asia Cup 2025, Shubman Gill’s inclusion may well be on the cards, but his role in the India playing XI in Asia Cup 2025 remains uncertain. With a top-order already packed with power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav, Gill’s more classical, anchor-style approach doesn’t perfectly align with India’s current T20I blueprint.
🚨 GILL & JAISWAL FOR ASIA CUP 🚨
– Gill, Jaiswal, Sai Sudharasan are likely to be part of the Asia Cup 2025. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/dKWexnuA7z
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 6, 2025
That said, Gill’s strength lies in his adaptability and temperament. If the team management is looking to add depth or wants a solid top-order backup who can hold one end in tricky conditions, Gill becomes a valuable asset, especially in the unpredictable UAE pitches. His ability to open or slot in at No. 3, coupled with recent red-ball form, gives him an outside chance to be more than just a benchwarmer.
So, will Shubman Gill play Asia Cup 2025? Possibly. But whether he walks into the batting order of India or waits in the wings may depend not just on form—but on India’s gameplan, pitch conditions, and the balance they aim to strike heading into a packed white-ball calendar.
