Former Indian Cricketer Mohammad Kaif backed Shubman Gill’s inclusion as vice-captain in the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Gill played his last T20I in July 2024 and got involved in India’s
busy Test schedule. He was appointed captain for the recently ended Test series in England and did a remarkable performance both as a batter and a captain.
Now, the BCCI is also looking to put Shubman Gill in the leadership role in the T20I as well as he has been appointed as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy for the Asia Cup 2025. After the squad was announced, there have been several questions regarding Gill’s comeback in the shortest format. However, Mohammad Kaif feels that, Gill has made his place in the squad with his performance in the IPL in the last few years.
"Why was he made vice-captain? It’s because he has leadership qualities. We saw in England that he led brilliantly, levelled the series at 2-2. He scored runs with the bat. The selectors, especially Ajit Agarkar, once quoted that they go to the dressing room and talk with the players about how Gill is leading the team for Gujarat. This (comment) was made during IPL. The way Gill worked with the Gujarat Titans there was great news. Everyone praised him. Gill, the leader, performed excellently," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Gill led brilliantly, and his bat never stops: Mohammad Kaif
Speaking further, Mohammad Kaif mentioned that Shubman Gill did a great job as a batter and captain of Gujarat Titans in the last few years in the IPL. "What will be the playing XI? Who will bowl when, and he looked good tactically as well. This was Agarkar’s point of view, and after that, the team was made for the Test match. Gill was made captain for the England tour, and of course, it’s praiseworthy because I saw him closely in the IPL,” Kaif said.
“He led brilliantly, and his bat never stops. If you look at his performance in IPL over the last three years, he has scored nearly 2000 runs. The strike rate is in 150s. So, there is no lack in any area. See, the selectors always keep in mind IPL’s performance,” he further added.
