Team India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly not keen on including opener Shubman Gill in the T20I setup, especially during the Asia Cup 2025. According to Times of India reporters, Suryakumar preferred Sanju Samson as the opening batsman and was not completely satisfied with Gill’s selection in the shorter format.
Gill has been left out of India’s T20I plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup after his disappointing performances. The selectors took a tough decision to remove the vice-captain. Ishan Kishan was recalled, while Axar Patel was reinstated as vice-captain. India will be defending its title during the ICC T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav opposes Shubman Gill’s T20I selection
According to TOI journalist Sahil Malhotra, there were internal differences regarding the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the Asia Cup squad. He said that Suryakumar Yadav was not in favor of this decision and this was clearly visible from his reactions during the press conference.
“There was obviously some degree of confusion. As per the information I have gathered, Surya was not in favor of Shubman’s inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. That is no longer a secret. You could sense it from Surya’s body language in the press conference and the way he answered questions about Shubman – he did not seem comfortable or completely in agreement with that decision.”
Surya never wants Shubman Gill in the T20 team. Gill was forcefully included in the team by Ajit Agarkar. Surya always wanted Sanju to open. You can see how he responded to the press before the Asia Cup and after the 5th T20I against South Africa – TOI Sports pic.twitter.com/TyhlOzkE2k
– ππ₯π¨π§π¨ (@Brutu24) 26 December 2025
Don’t worry, we will take care of Sanju Samson – Suryakumar Yadav
According to Nitin Naik, Suryakumar Yadav had already made it clear that Sanju Samson is an important part of his plans. He said that the inclusion of Shubman Gill upset the balance of the team, Surya was not completely comfortable at that time.
“In his first Asia Cup press conference, Surya clearly said, ‘Don’t worry, we will take care of Sanju Samson.’ This shows that Sanju was always at the center of his plans. Shubman’s involvement changed the balance, something he was not comfortable with. After reworking the line-up, he will now have to re-strategize for New Zealand, but from his recent press conference, there seems to be more clarity and comfort within the team.
Shubman Gill set to lead in home ODI series for the first time
Shubman Gill is set to stay busy with white-ball cricket with India’s next Test still a few months away. He will play the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, the 2026 IPL season and the subsequent tour of England.
The New Zealand series will be an important milestone for Gill, as it will be the first time he will lead India in an ODI on home soil. He was named ODI captain ahead of the tour of Australia, where the team suffered a 1β2 series defeat in October.
Before the five-match T20I series starting on January 21, the three-match ODI series will begin on January 11 in Vadodara. Gill is likely to play domestic cricket during the T20I series and T20 World Cup 2026.
Also Read: Despite failure in T20 World Cup 2026, Shubman Gill is ready to lead Team India in T20Is
