Yashasvi Jaiswal's snub from India's Asia Cup squad angers R Ashwin: ‘Not fair… to bring Shubman Gill in, you…’

By Admin

20 Aug, 2025

The announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup has sparked controversy, particularly over the omission of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite being one of India’s most promising talents in the T20 format, Jaiswal has only found a place in the reserves list, with Shubman Gill making his way back as the vice-captain.

Ashwin Questions the Selectors’ Call

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his disappointment over the decision, openly questioning chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s call. “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… it’s just not fair to these two kids,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.

Ashwin emphasized that there was “no basis” for dropping Jaiswal, especially since he was also the back-up opener during the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Jaiswal’s Numbers Back Him

At just 22, Jaiswal has already left an impact in international cricket. He has featured in 23 T20Is for India, scoring 723 runs at a staggering strike rate of 164.31. His last T20I appearance came in July 2024 against Sri Lanka   the same series where Gill last played a T20I for India.

Ashwin pointed out the irony of the situation: “Jaiswal has also been in fine form. Maybe they are thinking of Shubman Gill as the leader for the future. But it is not necessary to have the same captain in all formats.”

The Shubman Gill Factor

While acknowledging Gill’s achievements, including his prolific run-scoring for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Ashwin highlighted how his appointment as vice-captain has shut doors for others. “Genuinely, I understand Shubman Gill's selection. He has credentials to be picked in the T20I setup. But 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 remarked.

The Shreyas Iyer Question

Ashwin also expressed concern over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion, calling it “unfair” to drop him alongside Jaiswal. He urged the selectors to at least communicate their decisions directly to the players. “I just hope Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal were given a call, and they were told the reasons behind not being picked,” Ashwin said.

A Bigger Debate on Selection

The controversy also brings forward a larger discussion on India’s team-building strategy. Ashwin warned against the “obsession” of grooming one player as an all-format captain, saying it could lead to deserving players missing out.

As things stand, Jaiswal’s omission has not only surprised fans but also seasoned voices in Indian cricket. With the Asia Cup around the corner, all eyes will be on how Gill, Samson, and the rest of the squad perform   and whether Jaiswal’s absence proves costly.