Ashwin Questions Selectors’ Call
India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement has triggered debate across the cricketing spectrum, with Ravichandran Ashwin openly questioning the decision to drop Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young Mumbai opener, who was part of India’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, found himself relegated to the reserves list as Shubman Gill made a comeback and was named vice-captain.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, said he was “genuinely shocked” by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar’s decision. He noted that Jaiswal, with his aggressive stroke play and remarkable strike rate in T20Is, was unfairly overlooked. “When you have Yashasvi Jaiswal as the third opener in the T20 World Cup 2024, to remove someone from the World Cup squad and bring in Shubman Gill… I am happy for Gill, but I feel very sad for both Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. It is just not fair to these two kids,” Ashwin remarked.
Jaiswal’s T20I Numbers Strengthen His Case
At just 22 years old, Jaiswal has already made his mark in international cricket. He has played 23 T20Is for India, scoring 723 runs at a blistering strike rate of 164.31. His fearless batting style and ability to dominate powerplays make him a natural fit in the shortest format. His last T20I appearance came in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, the same series where Gill also featured before being sidelined.
Despite his consistency, Jaiswal has been left out of the main squad. Instead, selectors opted for Gill, who has shown solid form in the IPL with Gujarat Titans and carries the added responsibility of leadership as the new deputy to skipper Hardik Pandya.
Shreyas Iyer Also Left Out
Ashwin did not limit his criticism to Jaiswal’s exclusion. He also expressed disappointment over Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the Asia Cup squad. “I just hope Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal were given a call, and they were told the reasons behind not being picked,” Ashwin said, underlining the importance of clear communication from the selectors to players.
Iyer, a dependable middle-order batter, was also part of the T20 World Cup squad but now finds himself sidelined at a crucial stage in his career.
Sanju Samson’s Future In Doubt
The changes in the squad have further complicated matters for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Ashwin argued that Gill’s inclusion virtually rules out Samson’s chances of making the playing XI. Agarkar, during the squad announcement, had clarified that Samson was used as an opener only when Gill and Jaiswal were unavailable.
“What is sadder is that you have announced Gill as the vice-captain, so Sanju Samson’s place is also under threat. Sanju is not going to play. Shubman Gill will play, and he will open the batting,” Ashwin predicted.
Leadership Overload?
Ashwin also questioned the tendency to groom one cricketer as a leader across all formats. While acknowledging Gill’s credentials, he warned against the obsession of pushing one player into multi-format captaincy. “Maybe they are thinking of Shubman Gill as the leader for the future. Maybe he can be the all-format captain. But it is not necessary to have the same captain in all formats,” Ashwin stressed.
Selection Debate Intensifies
The squad announcement has opened up larger questions about India’s selection policy. While Gill’s form and leadership qualities cannot be discounted, Jaiswal’s exclusion despite strong T20I performances highlights the challenge of balancing seniority, leadership grooming, and form.
Ashwin’s candid remarks reflect the growing discontent within cricket circles about the decision-making process. Fans and analysts alike are divided—some back the selectors’ move to invest in Gill, while others echo Ashwin’s sentiment that Jaiswal and Iyer deserved a fairer chance.
As the Asia Cup draws near, the debate is unlikely to die down. For now, the spotlight is firmly on the selection committee and their vision for India’s T20 future.
