Gill Was Not the First Choice but Baggs Asia Cup Vice Captain Position

Shubman Gill is gradually becoming one of the biggest names in Indian cricket and the Asia Cup has started a new chapter for him. The young opener already captaining India in Test cricket has now been appointed as the vice captain of the T20 team for the Asia Cup. This choice has set plenty of tongues wagging because many reports indicate that Gill was not the panel's initial choice. Nevertheless, the selectors have made a long-term decision and put their trust in him and feel that he is the one who can contribute to Indian cricket in all three forms for years to come.

The Asia Cup is always a big tournament for India particularly since it immediately follows the World Cup. It is not just about winning an award but more about putting the squad to test and setting it up for the future. More than just an honor, this appointment signifies something for Gill. It indicates that he is being prepared as one of the future captains of Indian cricket. Although Axar Patel was India's vice captain in the T20 series against England many in the selection committee believed it was time to bet on someone who was going to be a regular in all formats.

The Indian Express did state that Axar was indeed the first name mentioned but the panel went with Gill. The reason was as simple as it could get. They needed someone who would take on the responsibility for the long term. With Gill doing well consistently in Tests and ODIs and also proving his flexibility across formats the decision became evident with each passing discussion. In a way his vice captaincy is not only a reward for present form but also an investment in the future.

Despite that the decision has not been without sacrifices. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been omitted from the main team to accommodate Gill. This is particularly hard given Jaiswal's explosive batting and the potential he has displayed in the shorter format. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar conceded that it was sad to leave out Jaiswal but justified that the composition of the squad compelled such difficult decisions. Abhishek Sharma was picked in the squad at least due to his capability to bowl and offer an additional option for the captain if required. Agarkar made it amply clear that in a 15 man team one or two deserving names are guaranteed to miss out and this time it was Jaiswal's turn.

Gill himself hasn't been playing all T20 games in recent times due to his heavy investment in the Test and ODI teams. In spite of this, the selectors have still given him vice captaincy which is an indication of the degree of belief they have in his potential to settle quickly. When questioned whether Gill would be pushed straight into the playing eleven as vice captain Agarkar preferred keeping the response open-ended. He added that the decision would be taken by the captain and coach based on team balance once the group reaches Dubai. They both are in good touch according to him and Abhishek Sharma is another thrilling option.

The controversy regarding Gill versus Axar for vice captaincy has generated buzz but it also speaks volumes about how Indian cricket is thinking ahead. Though Axar is a decent all rounder the selectors evidently felt more value in nurturing a top order batsman with a view to leading the team one day in all three formats. Gill has already demonstrated in England with his dominant Test performances that he is capable of delivering under pressure at the international level. The addition of vice captaincy in a big T20 tournament is the next natural step in building him up for larger responsibilities.

The step also signifies how much weight the upcoming Asia Cup holds in Indian cricket. It may not be as big as the World Cup but it is still a vital platform for experimentation with combinations and providing exposure to upcoming leaders. For Gill this is a golden chance to prove that he can handle more than batting. Each run he makes and each call he sanctions on the field will be under close scrutiny. If he performs well the path to becoming a full-time all format player and a captain will only accelerate.

Agarkar also addressed the issue of Shreyas Iyer missing out for the sake of the limited size of the squad and explained that it was not due to poor performance but a matter of balance and numbers. This is usually the hard part of selection. With only fifteen available places some good players are kept waiting for their opportunities. For supporters it might seem cruel but from the selectors' perspective it is about creating a team that can hit the ground running and also set up for the next stage.

Gill's emergence has been gradual and deliberate. From the Under 19 cricket promising youngster to becoming India's Test captain and now vice captain in T20s he has demonstrated maturity far beyond his years. The Asia Cup will challenge him differently. He will have to steady the innings when the team is looking for stability as well as play aggressive shots when the game situation calls for rapid runs. Simultaneously, he will also have to assist the captain with field duties and tactical advice.