The Indian team for the Asia Cup has been announced. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar initially did not mention Shubman Gill’s name. However, after adding the title “Vice-Captain” with his name, the other 14 players were announced.

In the press conference, the first question asked to captain Suryakumar Yadav was also about Gill, as there was the most curiosity around whether he would be included in the Asia Cup squad or not. Even during the selection committee meeting, Shubman Gill was the central topic of discussion. It was later revealed that Gill was not Agarkar’s first choice for vice-captain.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the primary question in the meeting was – what will be Gill’s role in the T20 side? A long discussion was held on whether he should be made vice-captain. Axar Patel was also considered for the position. Hence, Gill was not the first preference. But keeping the future in mind, consensus was reached to make the Test team captain the vice-captain of the T20 side.

The selectors felt that whoever is made vice-captain should be someone who can serve the team for a long period. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who joined the meeting via video conference, supported the idea of giving the responsibility to a young player who could be groomed as a future captain.

Currently, Gill is leading the Indian Test team. Therefore, the selectors thought it was the right time to prepare him as the vice-captain of the T20 squad – so that he can eventually succeed Suryakumar Yadav as captain.

This time, Yashasvi Jaiswal did not find a place in the squad. Now, the team management will have to decide – whether Gill should open the innings, or the “hit pair” of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson should be entrusted with opening, while the vice-captain bats at another position.