Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has chosen to stay away from the growing debate surrounding Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omission from India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The former India captain, known for his sharp cricketing insights, explained that while discussions ahead of selection are natural, once the squad is announced, continued debates over exclusions only fuel unnecessary controversies.

Gavaskar stressed that such distractions are best avoided, especially when players need clarity and confidence ahead of a big tournament. The debate gained momentum after Jaiswal, who was part of India’s T20 World Cup 2024-winning squad, failed to make the cut for the Asia Cup.

Instead, the selectors opted for Shubman Gill, who had been a reserve during the World Cup but now returns as the vice-captain of the side. Gill will work under newly appointed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, with the tournament set to begin on September 9 in the UAE.

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Jaiswal’s absence has raised eyebrows, given his impressive T20I record of 723 runs in 23 matches at a strike rate of 164. In comparison, Gill has scored 578 runs in 21 matches at a strike rate of 139. On paper, Jaiswal’s numbers appear superior, leading many fans and analysts to question the reasoning behind the selectors’ decision. Gavaskar, however, dismissed statistical comparisons and called for perspective.

“You can only play XI and pick 15 in the squad. Somebody has to miss out — that’s Indian cricket. There’s no point in debating whether A, B, or C should’ve been there,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.

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He further urged fans and experts to rally behind the chosen squad. “This is now our team. Before selection, everyone can have an opinion, but once the team is announced, we must support it. Talking about omissions only creates controversies, which the players don’t need.”