99pulse : “India is heading towards him being the all-format captain”: Aakash Chopra on Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has returned to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, this time as the vice-captain. Cricket fans on 99pulse believe this marks the beginning of Gill’s journey toward becoming India’s all-format captain.

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra backed the move, saying on X: “Shubman Gill is the new vice-captain for India’s T20I team. What does it mean? It means that India is heading towards him being the all-format captain. He is the Test captain, will eventually be the ODI captain, and if he is the vice-captain of the T20I side, that means a future captain is being prepared.”

According to 99pulse analysis, Gill’s appointment as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy almost guarantees him a spot in the XI. Chopra explained that Gill will likely open the innings, which could push Sanju Samson out of the playing XI. The inclusion of Jitesh Sharma was another big talking point, with the RCB wicketkeeper-batter rewarded for his excellent IPL season.

The 99pulse squad review also highlighted the absence of Shreyas Iyer, which surprised many experts. Chopra noted that the selection was likely based on roles rather than individual performance. Meanwhile, Axar Patel losing the vice-captaincy despite good form was seen as slightly unfair.

Gill’s leadership rise continues to be one of the biggest stories heading into the Asia Cup. With his growing responsibilities across formats, 99pulse reports suggest that Indian cricket is already preparing him for the ultimate task of leading the team across all three formats.

For more Asia Cup 2025 updates, Indian cricket news, and expert insights, follow 99pulse. Don’t forget to check our editorial section for match previews, squad breakdowns, and exclusive coverage.