Former Indian opener turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra believes Shubman Gill’s addition to the 2025 Asia Cup squad and his appointment as vice-captain would see wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson sit out. However, Team India announced their 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9, on Tuesday, August 19.

“They have gone in the direction of a potential three-format captain. But one person’s selection, another’s destiny has also been written. Through Shubman Gill’s bat or Ajit Agarkar’s pen, Sanju Samson’s destiny has been decided. He (Samson) will not be playing in the XI. Now, you will see him sitting out because Tilak Varma will play at 3 and Hardik at 4 or 5. Because if they had opposing thoughts in their mind, then Shreyas Iyer would have been in the team,” Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo.

“If you look at this team, then it’s clear that they have gone for slots over personalities. And they have tried to do justice to that. But Shubman Gill will play because he is the vice captain, which means Sanju Samson goes out. And you will see Jitesh Sharma playing in this team again,” he further added.

Meanwhile, former Indian all-rounder turned coach Abhishek Nayar believes Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the 2025 Asia Cup squad is a sign that he will soon become the team’s all-format captain. However, Gill has a mediocre T20I record, averaging under 31 at a strike rate of 139.27 in 21 matches as well.

Talking about this in the same ESPN Cricinfo panel, Nayar said: “They asked Ajit Agarkar whether he is soon to become the all-format captain with the current captain (T20I) sitting right next to the selector. It tells you the mindset of how everyone, including the selectors, are thinking. You understand with this selection that Shubman is in time going to be the all-format captain and that’s where they are positioning him. Great pick and it’s going to be an interesting next 12 months in Shubman Gill’s life.”