Asia Cup: 'They have caused an issue by bringing Shubman Gill into T20' – Ex India star drops bombshell

Former India batter Robin Uthappa believes that star power played a key role in the selection of Shubman Gill for the upcoming T20I Asia Cup and his appointment as vice-captain for the tournament. This will be Gill’s first appearance in T20 internationals since India toured Sri Lanka in July last year, which coincided with Gautam Gambhir’s start as the national team’s head coach. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa expressed a blunt view on the decision, saying the selectors created a tricky situation by recalling Gill to the T20 fold. He highlighted that Gill’s recent performances as India’s Test captain in England had been outstanding, but the move to include him in T20 cricket could bring added pressure. Uthappa suggested that the selection was influenced not only by cricketing merit but also by business and marketing considerations. “From an Indian cricket perspective, at all kinds of eras, you have always had superstars and they have backed a particular player for the sake of Indian cricket. I think that narrative is continued to be followed right now,” he said. He added, “I think the marketing and business narrative also takes precedence, which is why he is brought in. You want certain superstars to take the game forward. Shubman is going to be one of them.” Gill enjoyed a strong IPL 2025 season for the Gujarat Titans, scoring 650 runs in 15 matches at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 155.88, including six fifties. He finished as the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament, strengthening his case for selection. The Asia Cup will begin on September 9 in the UAE, with defending champions India facing the UAE in their opening match on September 10. Pakistan and Oman complete Group A for the tournament.