Former India player Madan Lal has opined that India all-rounder Hardik Pandya wasn’t appointed as vice-captain for the 2025 Asia Cup as well. He, however, backed the selectors’ decision to bring back Shubman Gill, who returned to the T20Is for the first time since July 2024 as well. And, he will serve as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in the tournament.

The veteran told ANI on X: “(On Gill) I agree with them. I am with the selectors… Kya Kaaran hai usko hataya gaya hai (I don’t know why Hardik Pandya has been removed). But Gill is a good choice as he is performing well. In the coming time, it is possible that Gill will play in all three formats.”

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“Sometimes you feel surprised that a player like Yashasvi Jaiswal is not in the team. Jaiswal, anyway, plays attacking cricket. He even plays brilliantly in Test matches. I don’t know, they’ve given him rest or they are looking at something, and like that,” he further added.

Madan Lal also praised India’s speedster Jasprit Bumrah’s presence for the 2025 Asia Cup. He also credited the pacer for his ability to take wickets in the powerplay and death overs as well.

“Don’t compare Test cricket and this cricket (T20Is) because Jasprit Bumrah has bowled well in Tests, and here, we know what he does in death overs, he bowls brilliantly. It’s crucial to provide breakthroughs in the beginning,” Madan Lal concluded.