Asia Cup | Jaiswal, Krisha and Sai miss out as Gill named vice-captain in SKY-led 15-man squad

The top-two ranked batters in the world, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, were joined by incumbent opener and wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson to complete the top-order options alongiwth the skipper. However, the inclusion of Gill, on the back of a prolific IPL season and tour of England, is likely to see the Kerala batter miss-out having not played any professional cricket since an injury-ridden campaign for Rajasthan Royals. Consequently, back-up wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma could be promoted to the XI as wicket-keeper finisher, having served the role triumphantly in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title charge.

Notably, India's back-up opener at last year's T20 World Cup Yashasvi Jaiswal and IPL 2025 Orange Cup winner Sai Sudharsan failed to make the cut with the former included as a travelling reserve. Similarly, Purple Cap winner Prasidh Krishna lost out to Harshit Rana, with India's leading wicket-taker in the format Arshdeep Singh as the other pace option. Gambhir's proclivity for batting depth and fielding three all-rounders could have pushed Rana's case, who had a quietly impressive IPL season where he had the second best death economy rate amongst Indian pacers behind only Bumrah. 

As for the spinners, Axar will be joined by mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Varun averages under 15 in the format and is ranked number four in the world following a triumphant return to the team earlier this year, with the trio leading the Men in Blue to the Champions Trophy crown in March. Ravi Bishnoi, despite being the most frequent name in the Indian lineup since the Caribbean World Cup, was ommitted as a result.