Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Shubman Gill as vice-captain of India’s T20 squad for the Asia Cup 2025, marking what many see as a natural progression in his career. Known for his consistency and leadership qualities, Gill has become an indispensable part of India’s short-format setup.
Gill’s Consistency in IPL
Over the past five years, Gill has consistently ranked among the top five run-getters in the Indian Premier League (IPL), except in 2024 when he missed matches. His standout season came in 2023, when he scored 890 runs — the second-highest in IPL history after Virat Kohli’s 973 in 2016. With 3,866 runs across 118 matches at an average of nearly 40, Gill has built an impressive T20 record, making his selection as vice-captain hard to ignore.
Leadership Potential and Future Captaincy
Gill’s elevation to leadership in T20Is is seen as a natural extension of his Test captaincy role earlier this year. At just 23, he has already made history as the youngest Indian to score centuries across all three formats. His calm approach and maturity have led to discussions within the BCCI about grooming him as India’s next all-format captain, following in the footsteps of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
Brand Value and Cricket’s Future Face
Beyond cricketing ability, Gill represents the next big face of Indian cricket. Historically, icons like Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dhoni, Kohli, and Sharma have carried the brand of Indian cricket globally. As sponsorships, media rights, and fan engagement evolve, BCCI is preparing Gill to take over this mantle. His rising popularity, coupled with consistent performances, makes him the logical choice for shaping the sport’s future in India.
Strategic Move for Asia Cup and Beyond
The Asia Cup squad selection was not just about the present tournament but a signal of long-term planning. Gill’s appointment as vice-captain is seen as a deliberate move to integrate him into leadership responsibilities, keeping India’s next decade of cricket in mind.
