Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has shocked fans and experts alike. The young opener, known for his effortless strokeplay and explosive T20 batting, was only named in the reserves while Shubman Gill returned as vice-captain. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin strongly criticised chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar for dropping Jaiswal, who was also part of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
Ashwin Questions Jaiswal’s Omission
Ashwin openly expressed his disappointment with the selectors’ decision. “See, I understand that selection is a thankless job. Leaving somebody out, telling someone they are dropped, it is not an easy thing. You have to speak to the players, you have to go through the sadness. I just hope Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal were given a call, and they were told the reasons behind not being picked,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.
He further added, “Genuinely, I understand Shubman Gill’s selection. He is also the vice-captain. He has scored a lot of runs for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He has credentials to be picked in the T20I setup.”
Gill Over Jaiswal Raises Eyebrows
Yashasvi Jaiswal has played 23 T20Is for India, scoring 723 runs at a strike rate of 164.31. His last T20I came in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, the same series in which Shubman Gill played his last T20I before being recalled. Despite Jaiswal’s strong numbers, selectors went with Gill, citing leadership grooming.
“When you have Yashasvi Jaiswal as the third opener in the T20 World Cup 2024, to remove someone from the World Cup squad and bring in Shubman Gill. I mean, it’s okay, I am happy for Shubman, but I’m very sad for both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. It is just not fair to these two kids,” Ashwin remarked.
Samson’s Future in Doubt
Ashwin also raised concerns about Sanju Samson’s chances in the squad with Gill’s inclusion. “What is sadder is that you have announced Gill as the vice-captain, so Sanju Samson’s place is also under threat. Sanju is not going to play. Shubman Gill will play, and he will open the batting,” he added.
During the press conference, Ajit Agarkar confirmed Samson was primarily used as an opener when Gill and Jaiswal were unavailable. With Gill back, Samson could lose his spot in the playing XI.
Leadership Debate Continues
Ashwin also cautioned against the selectors’ approach of grooming one player as the all-format leader. “Jaiswal has also been in some fine form. Maybe they are thinking of Shubman Gill as the leader for the future. Maybe he can be the all-format captain. But it is not necessary to have the same captain in all formats,” Ashwin said.
The debate over Jaiswal’s omission highlights the selection dilemmas ahead of Asia Cup 2025, with questions looming over India’s opening combination and Sanju Samson’s role.
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