Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, who has never been a fan of “poster boy” culture, has raised questions over the BCCI and selectors' decision to pick Shubman Gill and name him vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
India’s Test skipper is making a return to T20Is after a year and has been named Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy for the continental tournament a move that hints at a possible future captaincy handover.
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Uthappa Questions Timing and Intent Behind Gill’s T20I Promotion
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa pointed out how Gill’s inclusion and elevation could cause more issues than solutions.
“They have caused an issue for themselves by bringing Shubman into this whole process of including him in T20 cricket. But I also think from an Indian cricket perspective, at all kinds of eras, you have always had superstars and they have backed a particular player for the sake of Indian cricket, and I think that narrative is continued to be followed right now,” he said.
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Uthappa also hinted that Gill’s rise might not be entirely based on performance alone.
“I think the marketing and business narrative also takes precedence, and I think that is also a part, which is why he is also brought in. You want certain superstars to take the game forward. Shubman is going to be one of them,” he added.
Gill’s Form and Leadership Earn Him T20I Return and Vice-Captaincy
Since being dropped from the T20I side, Gill has responded strongly. In IPL 2025, he piled up 650 runs in 15 matches at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 155.88 — smashing six fifties and finishing as the tournament’s fourth-highest run-scorer. That form made a strong case for his return.
However, it’s his leadership credentials that likely influenced the vice-captaincy decision. Earlier this year, Gill led India in his debut Test series against England and managed to draw the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy — a performance that impressed many.
The Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on September 9 in the UAE. It will mark Gill’s return to T20Is after over a year. India open their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium.
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