(Image source from: AP)

Shubman Gill is currently the highlight after his outstanding performance in the five-match Test series against England. However, he will be competing with Axar Patel for the role of vice-captain for the Asia Cup, which will occur in the UAE in September. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah will be part of the squad but may rest during the first Test against the West Indies in October. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to announce the Asia Cup team on August 19 or 20. It appears they will likely stick with the same lineup. Axar served as vice-captain during the recent T20I series against England, whereas Gill supported Suryakumar as his deputy during the matches against Sri Lanka last year. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya are expected to remain among the top five players in the Indian squad.

“Abhishek Sharma holds the title of the best batter in the ICC Rankings. Sanju Samson has performed well, but it will be hard to overlook Shubman Gill,” a BCCI insider told PTI. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan may find it tough to secure a spot. In addition, KL Rahul is not likely to be selected. Although Samson is the preferred wicket-keeper, the second position will be contested between Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel. Nitish Kumar Reddy is still injured, and Shivam Dube will fill in for him. Axar and Washington Sundar will act as the two spin all-rounders. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are the leading pace bowlers, while Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana will compete for the third spot.

Expected Indian Team for Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel.