India legend Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal will feature as an opener in the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup 2025, which will start from September 9. The 38-year-old all-rounder further explained that Jaiswal was India's backup opener in the T20 World Cup 2024, but was unable to get a game, since Rohit Sharma announced his T20I retirement. The southpaw is seen as a direct replacement at the top of the order.
However, there are reports that India Test captain Shubman Gill will be included in India's squad for the Asia Cup and Suryakumar Yadav, who went under the knife after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, is fit and will lead the side. The BCCI will announce India's squad on August 19, followed by Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar's press conference.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, R. Ashwin shared his thoughts on the discussions surrounding Team India’s selection for the upcoming Asia Cup.
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“There’s been some talk about whether Shubman Gill fits into India’s T20 squad. In the last T20 World Cup, Yashasvi Jaiswal was included as the backup opener. So now, with Rohit Sharma stepping away, it’s only natural that Jaiswal is seen as a direct replacement at the top of the order” said Ashwin.
Ashwin picked Sanju Samson as the second opener for the Asia Cup, considering his past performances. The wicketkeeper batter was promoted as an opener after the T20 World Cup 2024.
“Shubman Gill had an excellent series in England. So, can he make a comeback into the T20 side? On the other hand, Sanju Samson has also delivered strong performances as an opener in T20s. That makes the decision even more challenging for the selectors. Also, there's the question of how Shreyas Iyer fits back into the mix. So, in my view, the selectors have some very big decisions ahead of them” Ashwin added.
Team India will start their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the UAE on September 10, and the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.