A lot of tests are about to come for Team India. Shubman Gill’s role will be under the scanner. This is not a stage for experiments. Earlier, Sanju Samson either scored a century or got out early. But Indian cricket’s approach has now changed. The question is—can Gill play the role that Virat Kohli mastered for years? India needs a player who can follow the team’s calculations and adapt to match situations.
Hello guys, welcome to Seedhi Baat. Today, we’ll talk about the Asia Cup and how the Indian team can form its playing XI. There are many gaps the team needs to fill.
Shubman Gill Under Spotlight
The way India played in 2024 and became world champions was remarkable. Now, with another multinational tournament ahead, several tests await. Many eyes will be on Shubman Gill—how he grows, whether he can take control of games like Virat Kohli once did, and whether he can provide the anchor role the team needs.
Similarly, Suryakumar Yadav faces a big challenge as captain. Leading in bilateral series is very different from captaining in a multinational event. Here, you cannot experiment much because one loss—especially in a knockout—can cost dearly.
Team Combination & Consistency Issues
India has already started adjusting its combination. Gill has been made vice-captain. Sanju Samson has shown good batting but has lacked consistency—either big scores or early exits. That’s why the management is leaning toward Gill, who has been leading in Test cricket and serving as ODI vice-captain.
If Gill brings stability in T20 leadership too, it becomes easier for the team to move forward. But the real test is: can Gill play the Virat Kohli role?
Gill vs. Kohli’s Style
Indian cricket has changed its style of play. Players like Abhishek Sharma bat at strike rates of 180–190, attacking from the first ball. Gill’s approach is different. He plays with timing, builds innings, and looks for singles, doubles, and boundaries when required.
Virat Kohli wasn’t a pure power-hitter like Chris Gayle, but his value in T20s was immense. He consistently scored runs by pacing his innings and adapting to situations. That’s the mold in which Gill fits. He has the off-side range, the ability to cut and play off the back foot, and the fitness to keep running singles and doubles. If Gill can replicate Kohli’s situational batting, it would be a big asset.
The Pakistan Factor
In multinational tournaments, pressure plays a huge role—especially against Pakistan. While India is ahead in ODIs, T20 cricket gives Pakistan a closer margin. In skills, India has the upper hand, but pressure handling will decide outcomes.
Middle-Order Questions: Samson, Tilak, SKY
If Sanju Samson doesn’t bat at the top, can he fit at No. 5? That’s a key talking point. Samson has been performing, but so has Jitesh Sharma. Tilak Varma looks solid at No. 3, and Suryakumar Yadav fits well at No. 4.
The management must decide whether to reward Samson’s past performances and trust him at No. 5, or give Jitesh the spot.
Bowling & All-Round Options
A big question: can Kuldeep Yadav find a place? With Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel as all-rounders, India can balance between spin and pace. Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are must-picks, and ideally, both should play together. But this may force the team to sacrifice either a spinner or depth in batting at No. 8.
Hardik’s strength is bowling in the middle overs into the pitch. But India needs genuine death bowlers with yorkers, which Bumrah and Arshdeep provide.
Filling the Shoes of Giants
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have retired from T20 internationals. Filling their roles is a huge challenge:
- Kohli: Anchor and run-chaser
- Rohit: Aggressive leader and opener
- Jadeja: Match-winning all-rounder
Shubman Gill could take the Kohli mold, Abhishek Sharma could step into Rohit’s role, and Axar Patel may fill Jadeja’s shoes. But this transition requires strong performances in big tournaments.
Bumrah’s Leadership
Jasprit Bumrah will play a key role as a leader. He doesn’t lead with words but with his bowling. His lengths, control, and consistency inspire other bowlers. His presence in the leadership group is invaluable.
The Competition Beyond India
It’s not only about Pakistan. Afghanistan has one of the best spin attacks in world cricket. Sri Lanka, who won the last Asia Cup, also remain dangerous. India cannot afford to take any team lightly.
Predicted Playing XI (Author’s View)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Sanju Samson
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Shivam Dube / Kuldeep Yadav (depending on pitch)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
Conclusion
The Asia Cup promises to be an exciting tournament. India has a young, dynamic team with huge potential, but the focus will be on how they handle pressure and fill the shoes of legends. Shubman Gill’s role as a potential Kohli replacement will be the biggest storyline to watch.
