Former India player turned commentator Irfan Pathan feels that the inclusion of Shubman Gill back into the T20I team won’t put pressure on the T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, as he isn’t insecure about anyone as well. However, Gill has been brought back into the T20I side after a year, as he’s been re-appointed as the vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 after leading the team in the Tests.

“Shubman was the vice-captain, and then he started playing Test cricket and got busy. The decision to appoint Shubman Gill as vice-captain would not have happened without Surya’s consent. His approval was definitely there. This also means that Surya is aware of the bigger picture. As much as I know him, he’s 34 now and understands that his responsibility goes beyond just performing on the field — he has to take care of the team and also help grow leadership within it. I believe he’s started doing that,” said Pathan to Sony Sports India.

Moreover, Irfan Pathan rubbished talks of any insecurities, saying that Suryakumar Yadav realized that bringing Shubman Gill back is for the long-term benefit of the team only.

“Bringing Shubman Gill in as vice-captain — while some might think it puts pressure on Surya — is actually a move that benefits Indian cricket in the long term. It also shows Surya’s maturity as a leader, earning him respect in the cricketing community. I truly believe he’s very aware of the situation. What’s happening right now shouldn’t put any pressure on him. We’ve all seen what kind of cricketer he is in T20s. So I don’t believe there are any insecurities in his mind. If anything, this development will only strengthen him as a leader,” Irfan Pathan concluded.