Madan Lal Critiques India's Asia Cup 2025 Squad Selection
Former cricketer Madan Lal expressed surprise at Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission from India's Asia Cup squad. Despite Gill's promising performance, Lal questions the absence of game-winning players. The squad announcement included strategic decisions amid critical fixtures against rivals like Pakistan and featured new leadership with Suryakumar as captain.
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Following the announcement of India's Asia Cup squad for 2025, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has voiced his surprise over the exclusion of opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal from the 15-member team. The squad was unveiled on Tuesday, with Suryakumar selected as the captain, while Shubman Gill assumes the role of vice-captain. Several key players were notably absent from the lineup.
Lal, in his remarks, commended Gill's recent performances and expressed optimism about his potential to play in all three formats for the national team. India's campaign will commence against the UAE on September 10, followed by a highly-anticipated match against Pakistan on September 14, both set in Dubai. The final group stage match against Oman will be held on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
Madan Lal stated, 'It's surprising that Yashasvi Jaiswal is not part of the team, considering his achievements. Gill is a strong choice given his current form. In the future, we might see Gill playing across all formats. Players who can turn the game around should not be left out, and with the strength of our team, we have the chance to win the Asia Cup.' The squad was revealed at a press conference attended by T20I captain Suryakumar and chief selector Ajit Agarkar following a selection meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
Shubman Gill, who recently led the T20I tour to Zimbabwe, featuring predominantly new faces, will now take on the vice-captaincy in his first T20I event since July 2024. Over his 21 T20I matches, Gill has accumulated 578 runs at an average of 30.42, with a strike rate of 139.27, including a century and three fifties, with a highest score of 126*.
Jaiswal, now among the reserve players for the Asia Cup, was initially ahead of Gill as a backup opener during the T20 World Cup last year. With 723 runs in 23 T20Is and an IPL 2025 performance of 559 runs in 14 matches, Jaiswal's impressive statistics have kept him within selection discussions, particularly given his formidable strike rate of over 164. (ANI)
(With inputs from agencies.)
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