Overview:
With India defending both the Asia Cup and the World Cup titles, the spotlight will firmly be on Suryakumar to deliver success.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in the 2025 Asia Cup, his first major assignment as T20I captain in a multi-nation competition. The selectors backed him ahead of Hardik Pandya, and he will aim to establish his authority before the 2026 T20 World Cup. With India defending both the Asia Cup and the World Cup titles, the spotlight will firmly be on Suryakumar to deliver success.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar, however, believes the selectors could make a bold call if India struggle in the continental event. In a conversation with India TV, he predicted that Shubman Gill may be handed the captaincy if Suryakumar fails to impress.
“Shubman Gill has the qualities to become India’s captain in all three format. If Suryakumar Yadav struggles in T20 cricket or cannot secure the Asia Cup, the selectors might look beyond him and give the captain’s armband to Shubman Gill. After Rohit Sharma moves away, there’s a strong chance Gill will take charge across formats,” he told India TV.
Gill recently returned to the T20I squad as vice-captain, strengthening his place in the leadership core. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, he has regularly featured in this role, first as Rohit Sharma’s deputy against Sri Lanka and later in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The young opener is already being viewed as India’s next all-format leader. He took over the Test side following Rohit’s retirement and continues to serve as vice-captain in limited-overs cricket. Gill also captains Gujarat Titans in the IPL and has already led India in five T20Is and five Tests, showcasing his growing leadership credentials.