Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, saying it could hurt Sanju Samson’s chances of making the playing XI. Ashwin believes Gill may be groomed as a future leader, but argued that the BCCI should avoid pushing him as captain in all formats. He added that with Gill named deputy, he is certain to play and open the innings, leaving Samson out of the side.
Ashwin also criticized the selectors for leaving out Shreyas Iyer despite his strong performances. Iyer led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final after guiding KKR to the 2024 title and also shone in the Champions Trophy. Ashwin called his exclusion, along with that of Yashasvi Jaiswal, “extremely unfair” given their recent form and achievements.
