The announcement of India's T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has sparked debate surrounding the exclusion of top players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer.
The duo were not picked in the 15-member squad despite being two of the most in-form batters in the shortest format and during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, however, refused to criticise the selectors, saying he wants to avoid controversies since the squad has already been confirmed.
Gavaskar reluctant to question Yashasvi Jaiswal snub in Asia Cup 2025 squad
India announced their squad for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup on Tuesday. Despite being a part of India's World Cup-winning squad and his consistent IPL performances, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal could not find a spot in the 15-member squad.
He was selected as one of the five standbys but is unlikely to play in any of the tournament's matches. Jaiswal has been replaced by Shubman Gill, who was on the reserves list when India became the current T20I world champions.
Gill has not only been added to the squad, but has also been named as the vice-captain.
"You can only pick 15 in the squad. Somebody has to miss out...No point in discussing whether A or B, or C should've been there. This is now our team. We can all have our opinions before the selection committee picks the team, but once the team is picked, we should back it fully. We shouldn't be saying A should've been there or B should've been there. That only creates controversy, which the players don't need," Gavaskar told India Today
More: Who will open for India in the Asia Cup 2025? Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, or Sanju Samson?
How has Yashasvi Jaiswal performed for India in T20Is?
Jaiswal has played 23 T20Is for India, scoring 723 runs at a blistering strike rate of 164. The young southpaw enjoyed a very good IPL season this year, with 559 runs in 14 matches. The batter from Mumbai has been one of the most consistent performers for India and for any side that he plays for.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, is being looked at as India's future all-format leader, which makes his selection inevitable. Moreover, Gill is going through the form of his life, scoring more than 700 runs in England. He scored 650 runs in 15 matches of IPL 2025, at a very impressive strike rate of 156.
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9 to September 28. The tournament will be played on a league basis, followed by Super Fours and the Finals.