Indian cricket has taken a decisive step towards shaping its leadership future, with Shubman Gill restored as T20 vice-captain ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The move comes just months before the T20 World Cup and highlights the selectors’ intent to prepare Gill as a long-term leader across formats.
At present, Rohit Sharma leads the ODI side and Suryakumar Yadav captains the T20 team. However, Gill’s elevation indicates that the ‘one captain across formats’ model could soon return under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and the current selection panel.
Gill Expected to Lead in 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics
If fitness permits, Gill is tipped to captain India in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He is also seen as a frontrunner to lead at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will make its debut.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar avoided confirming the all-format captaincy plan but praised Gill’s batting exploits.
“Gill’s form in England was something we expected but he exceeded it all,” Agarkar said.
Samson Faces a Tough Road Ahead
The Asia Cup squad announcement has also left wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in a tricky position. With Rishabh Pant expected to return before the World Cup, Samson’s chances of making the starting XI have dimmed considerably.
Agarkar explained that team management will decide the playing XI, but hinted Gill remains an automatic choice.
“There are more options (for top order) now and Shubman has been in a great form anyway. When they get to Dubai, they can decide on the playing XI according to the opposition and the conditions,” he said.
Samson’s game largely suits the top three slots, and with competition from Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, his opportunities are narrowing.
Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma Add Selection Headaches
Abhishek Sharma has nailed down a place with explosive batting and handy left-arm spin, while Yashasvi Jaiswal waits in reserves. Tilak Varma strengthens the balance with left-handed batting and part-time off-spin.
“Sanju was playing because Shubman and Yashasvi were not available at that point (and) so was Abhishek. (But) Abhishek’s performances clearly make it hard to leave him out. Plus, his bowling (left arm spin) is handy,” Agarkar said.
Including Samson could make the middle order heavily right-handed, with Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya already settled.
Rishabh Pant’s Return to Decide the Future
Jitesh Sharma currently provides a stop-gap option as finisher and keeper, but the real turning point will be Rishabh Pant comeback. Once fit, Pant is likely to reclaim his place, leaving Samson battling for a backup role.
As things stand, Samson may once again travel as India’s second wicketkeeper in a T20 World Cup squad, without a guaranteed spot in the XI.
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