Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill Likely to Get Major T20 Role, Could Replace Hardik Pandya as Vice-Captain

As Team India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 in the UAE, a major leadership reshuffle in the T20 squad could be on the cards. According to reports, Test skipper and ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill is emerging as the frontrunner for the vice-captaincy role in the T20 team — a position currently held by Hardik Pandya.

The Asia Cup 2025 will run from September 9 to September 28, with all matches scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates. Following India’s successful England tour, where Gill impressed with his calm leadership as Test captain, selectors are believed to be considering him for an expanded role across formats.

Gill’s Growing Leadership Portfolio

Shubman Gill, 25, is already an integral part of India’s cricket setup. He currently serves as vice-captain in ODIs under Rohit Sharma and has been leading the Test team since early 2025. His composed on-field presence, sharp decision-making, and consistent performances have made a strong case for his inclusion in the T20 leadership group as well.

In T20Is, the captaincy baton is presently with Suryakumar Yadav, who is expected to return from injury ahead of the Asia Cup. If fit, Surya will lead the side, with Gill potentially stepping in as his deputy. This change could push Hardik Pandya out of the vice-captain role — a significant shift in the team’s power dynamics.

RevSportz Report Hints at New Vice-Captain

A report by RevSportz suggests that Gill’s promotion is “almost certain,” given the selectors’ long-term vision of grooming him as an all-format leader. With Pandya’s fitness concerns in recent years and Gill’s growing influence, the move seems strategically timed ahead of the T20 World Cup cycle.

Where Will Gill Bat in T20Is?

While Gill’s leadership prospects are making headlines, his batting position in the T20 lineup is another intriguing talking point. In recent T20 matches, the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson has delivered strong starts, raising questions over whether Gill will slot in as an opener or anchor the innings at No. 3.

Given his adaptability and ability to build innings, team management may choose to rotate the top order depending on match conditions. This flexibility could be a key asset for India in the high-pressure Asia Cup campaign.

End of an Era for Rohit and Kohli?

Adding to the speculation, a Dainik Jagran report claims that the upcoming Australia series later this year might mark the final appearance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket. If true, this could be an emotional farewell for two of India’s greatest players, possibly prompting a full-scale leadership transition across formats.

The report further notes that whether Rohit and Kohli continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup will depend largely on selectors’ plans and the players’ own fitness and form. Should they aim for the next World Cup, both stars will need to feature in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2025 to stay match-ready.

A Defining Tournament for Indian Cricket

The Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a regional championship for India. With potential leadership changes, a generational shift in batting, and the looming retirement of two legends, the tournament could set the tone for the next phase of Indian cricket.

For now, all eyes will be on the selectors’ official squad announcement in the coming weeks. Whether Gill officially replaces Pandya as T20 vice-captain or not, his rise as a future leader of Indian cricket appears inevitable.