Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned whether Shubman Gill should be selected ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third opening spot in the 2025 Asia Cup. He raised the issue that, if Gill is included in the squad, he might have to be part of the playing XI. This creates a dilemma as to who would take on the wicketkeeping responsibilities if the Indian Test captain replaces Sanju Samson as an opener.

The 2025 Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in the UAE starting September 9. The selectors are set to announce the squad on Tuesday, August 19, with both Gill and Jaiswal in contention for the opening position.

Chopra explained that if Gill is chosen, it might force Samson to bat at No. 5, a position which may not suit his game. Chopra also suggested that Jitesh Sharma would be a more suitable option if India needed a middle-order wicketkeeper-batter. While Dhruv Jurel was mentioned as another possibility, Chopra noted that Jurel’s current statistics don’t justify his selection.

“I don’t believe anyone needs to be left out. It’s crucial to have another opener in the squad. India didn’t pick a third opener for the T20I series against England, and they didn’t consider who would open if either Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson loses form. If you don’t include that third opener now, you’ll have to bring one in for the World Cup,” Chopra said.

“Now, if Shubman Gill is the third opener, do you really want him sitting on the bench? If you choose to play him in the XI, who do you drop? If that player is Sanju Samson, who will take on the wicketkeeping role? That’s the issue. You can’t see Sanju batting in the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma are likely to occupy No. 3 and No. 4. Sanju at No. 5? That wouldn’t be ideal,” he added.