Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the inclusion of Shubman Gill in India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to be announced on Tuesday (August 19). Despite Gill’s strike rate being slightly lower than explosive names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson, Harbhajan believes Gill’s class and adaptability make him an indispensable option in T20 cricket.

Gill, currently India’s Test captain, last featured in a T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 30, 2024. In 21 T20Is so far, he has scored 578 runs at a strike rate of 139.27—a number that doesn’t fully reflect his range and capability.

“In T20s, it’s not just about hitting sixes every ball. Gill is technically solid, and if he decides to accelerate, he can bat at any strike rate. His foundation allows him to score across formats,” Harbhajan Singh told The Times of India.

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Citing Gill’s consistent IPL record, Harbhajan reminded critics that the opener has previously won the Orange Cap, proof of his ability to dominate at the highest level. “He has scored runs in every IPL season. People forget he can bat at a strike rate of 160 when needed. Orange Cap winners don’t happen by chance,” he added.

Drawing from his own experience as part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, Harbhajan Singh stressed the importance of balance in T20 cricket. “We love fireworks, but you also need batters who can anchor and build innings. Gill provides that cushion. Players like Abhishek, SKY, and Tilak are exciting, but you cannot undermine Gill’s role as an all-format player,” he said.

Harbhajan also revealed his preferred Asia Cup squad, featuring a strong mix of youth and experience. His lineup includes Jaiswal, Abhishek, Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant.

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Surprisingly, there was no mention of Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, or Rinku Singh, sparking debate among fans. As the selectors gear up for a tricky meeting, Harbhajan’s strong endorsement of Gill has reignited discussions about India’s approach heading into the Asia Cup, where a blend of explosiveness and stability could decide their campaign.