The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 is set to kick off on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, with the final game taking place on September 28. The tournament will be a T20I game and will include eight Asian elite teams competing to claim continental titles. Prior to the grand event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed India's 15-man team, selecting Suryakumar Yadav as captain. Interestingly, selectors stunned everyone by elevating Shubman Gill as the vice-captain. Gill's elevation as Suryakumar's deputy has left many eyebrows in the cricketing world. The opener was not even a definite pick for the Asia Cup team, considering his patchy record in T20 internationals. His strike rate in the shortest version of the game has always been questioned, and many felt that he would struggle to make the cut. No sooner had the news come out than there was a flood of mixed comments on social media. While one segment of supporters praised the selectors for identifying Gill's leadership skills and consistency, others cried foul, reasoning that his T20 credentials are not good enough for such an elevation. The Asia Cup 2025 team announcement has raised fierce controversy, particularly with the announcement of Shubman Gill as vice-captain. While Suryakumar Yadav's promotion to captain was anticipated, Gill's selection was a surprise to everyone, given his variable T20I record. Even though his strike rate has been questioned, selectors have placed their trust in his leadership abilities. The public and experts are equally divided, with comments ranging from applause to doubt regarding the daring step. Read also: Rayudu on Boundary Rope Row in T20 WC Final Catch Controversy Watch here: Shubman Gill era has begun for Indian cricket in all format. — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 19, 2025 🚨 SHUBMAN GILL - THE VICE CAPTAIN OF TEAM INDIA IN ASIA CUP 🚨 pic.twitter.com/4Xromcc0tj — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 19, 2025 🚨 Shubman Gill has been selected for the Asia Cup as Vice Captain. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/iXRZ2AuDnl — Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) August 19, 2025 Shubman Gill owns Mumbai lobby at 25 pic.twitter.com/jYNwGVpzni — 𝐀 (@Aagneyax) August 19, 2025 Shreyas Iyer & Yashasvi Jaiswal couldn't find a place in India's T20I squad coz they failed to invest in PR the way Shubman Gill did. Indian Cricket requires you to have best PR & good connections with media people in order to play in Indian team. — Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) August 19, 2025 Vice captain shubman gill for India's T20 side 🥹🫶🏻Go well ❤️‍🩹 #ShubmanGill #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/OuS6n2pTOJ — Aarna (@goldenhues018) August 19, 2025 Shubman Gill will be the highest run getter of the Asia Cup 2025.Bookmark this! — Musa (@peaceinagony) August 19, 2025