Former India spinner Maninder Singh has made a striking prediction about world No. 1 ODI batter Shubman Gill, suggesting that the BCCI selectors have earmarked him as the future all-format captain of the Indian men’s cricket team. This, according to Maninder, explains Gill’s appointment as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. Gill, who last appeared in a T20I for India on July 30, 2024, was included in the 15-member Asia Cup squad on August 19.
“I feel the selectors have basically decided that he is going to be our future captain. And if he is going to be our future captain, then you better make him the vice-captain because Surya Kumar Yadav may have just another two years of T20 cricket, and then you have Gill ready under him,” Maninder Singh told PTI Videos.
Gill’s inclusion came at the cost of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom were surprisingly left out. Maninder Singh expressed disappointment over their omission.
ALSO READ: Team India Women Begin Final World Cup Practice Camp In Vizag
“I was a little disappointed not to see these two names. Jaiswal, I think, is ready for any format and should be part of any team. As far as Iyer is concerned, he’s such a fantastic, positive player and contributes so much to the team, yet he keeps getting left out,” Maninder Singh said.
He added, “This has been happening for years. If another couple of years go by without giving him a chance, people will forget his contributions. But that shouldn’t happen.”
Iyer, who last played a T20I on December 3, 2023, against Australia in Bengaluru, had a strong case for selection after scoring 604 runs in 17 matches for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
ALSO READ: Bazid Khan Highlights Suryakumar Yadav’s Degrading Record Against Pakistan
Despite his stellar performance, the Mumbai right-hander was overlooked by the Indian selectors, raising questions about the team’s decision-making ahead of a high-profile tournament like the Asia Cup. With Shubman Gill now in a leadership role, the spotlight will be on him to lead India while fans and experts continue to debate the selections of proven performers like Jaiswal and Iyer.
