Suryakumar Yadav opposed Shubman Gill’s T20I selection before Asia Cup 2025! Report reveals shocking details

Team India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was reportedly not keen on including opener Shubman Gill in the T20I setup, especially during the Asia Cup 2025. According to Times of India journalists, Suryakumar preferred Sanju Samson as an opener and was not fully 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 made the tough call to drop the vice-captain. Ishan Kishan earned a recall, while Axar Patel was reinstated as vice-captain. India will look to defend their title during the ICC T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav opposed Shubman Gill’s T20I selection

According to TOI journalist Sahil Malhotra, there were internal differences over Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. He stated that Suryakumar Yadav was not in favour of the decision, and this was noticeable through his responses during press conferences.

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“There was clearly a bit of a disconnect. From what I’ve gathered, Surya wasn’t in favour of Shubman making the Asia Cup squad. It’s 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 didn’t seem comfortable or fully on the same page with that decision.”

Surya never wantes Shubman Gill in the T20i team. Gill was forced into the team by Ajit Agarkar. Surya always wanted Sanju to Open. You can see how he replied to press before asia cup and after 5th T20i against South Africa - TOI Sports p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->T<!---->y<!---->h<!---->l<!---->O<!---->z<!---->k<!---->E<!---->2<!---->k

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Don’t Worry, We Will Take Care of Sanju Samson - Suryakumar Yadav

According to Nitin Naik, Suryakumar Yadav had made it clear early on that Sanju Samson was a key part of his plans. He stated that Shubman Gill’s inclusion disrupted the team balance, something Surya was not entirely comfortable with at the time.

“In his first Asia Cup press conference, Surya clearly said, ‘Don’t worry, we will take care of Sanju Samson.’ That showed Sanju was always central to his plans. Shubman’s inclusion changed the balance, something he wasn’t comfortable with. After reworking the line-up, he now has to re-strategize for New Zealand, but from his recent press conference, there seems to be more clarity and comfort within the side.”

Shubman Gill Set To Lead in a Home ODI Series for the First Time

Shubman Gill is set for a busy stretch in white-ball cricket, with India’s next Test still months away. He will play the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, the 2026 IPL season, and a subsequent tour of England.

The New Zealand series will be a significant milestone for Gill, as it will be his first time leading India in ODIs at home. He was announced as ODI captain ahead of the Australia tour, where the team suffered a 1-2 series loss in October.

The three-match ODI series will get underway on January 11 in Vadodara, before a five-match T20I series starting January 21. Gill is likely to play domestic cricket during the T20I series and the T20 World Cup 2026.

Also read: Shubman Gill set to lead Team India in T20Is despite T20 World Cup 2026 snub