Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to be called-up for Asia Cup? Report makes big claim

Both Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in contention to be picked for India's Asia Cup squad which is likely to be announced by the third week of August. The duo haven't featured for the Men in Blue in their previous few T20I assignments with their last appearances coming in the Sri Lanka series held back in October, 2024. However, as per a report by PTI, both the batters can be available for selection for the tournament after their one-month rest period.

Gill and Jaiswal were recently seen in action during the five-match Test series against England and thus have been given a rest period. According to the report, the selectors are open to pick the duo in the squad despite India's Test series against West Indies set to begin just days after the conclusion of Asia Cup. The continental tournament's final will be played on September 28 while the Men in Blue's assignment against the Caribbean side will commence from October 2.

ALSO READ: 'He could have pushed harder...': Irfan Pathan lambasts Jasprit Bumrah for not living upto expectations in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

"There is a five week break and with no cricket around, these three should walk into any T20 squad despite stupendous show by Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. In 21 days in Asia Cup, if one plays till final, there are 6 T20 games and that's not much of a workload. But obviously with 17 member squads allowed for the Asia Cup, selectors will weigh options carefully," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Sudharsan's name is also being considered

Another name that is reportedly in contention to make it to India's Asia Cup squad is that of Sai Sudharsan. The left-hander, who recently made his Test debut for India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, has featured in just a single T20I for India which was against Zimbabwe and was played in July, 2024.

Sudharsan, who has also been given a one-month rest period, can form India's top-order in the Asia Cup alongside both Gill and Jaiswal. It will be interesting to see if any of the three get their names announced in the squad and get selected in the playing XI for the Men in Blue's opening clash of the tournament against UAE on September 10.

ALSO READ: 'I was made a villain...': Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis breaks silence on heated verbal exchange with Gautam Gambhir

Meanwhile, India are placed in Group A of the Asia Cup which consists of UAE, Pakistan and Oman. It may seem like a relatively easy group for the Men in Blue but they cannot afford to let their guard down. The marquee clash between India and Pakistan will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14 and the winner of that match will most likely qualify for the Super 4 stage.