18 August,2025 08:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shubmn Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad (Pic: AFP)
The Asia Cup 2025 tournament is all set to kick on from September 9, with the first game being played between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in UAE.
Ahead of the tournament, the Asian Giants, Team India, have a long queue for the opening spots. Considering the previous performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal, the left-hander should be the automatic selection for the mega event.
Along with him, India's think tank needs to make a choice among Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shubman Gill. Among these three batsmen, each player has different qualities, but if there has to be a fight between two, it would be between Ruturaj and Shubman.
Abhishek's ability to go all guns blazing makes him the top choice, but it could be risky if Team India suffers an early blow in any of their matches. When the team find itself in such a situation, the side would require a player who can anchor the innings and can turn on his destructive mode, according to the situation.
That's when Shubman and Ruturaj come into the picture. Between these two players, the management would likely prefer to go with Shubman, as he is currently enjoying his rich vein of form.
Sanju Samson could be another option for the top spot. If he gets a nod for the continental tournament, the right-hander will be expected to don the 'Big Gloves', considering that regular wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant will take some more time to recover from his injury. Along with Samson, KL Rahul could be in the discussion for opening the innings with Jaiswal.
Another dark horse for the slot can be Tilak Varma. But with one left-hander (Yashasvi) already at the top, the chances of the Hyderabad-born seem light. If that could be the case, the management may think of adding the 22-year-old somewhere in the middle order.
The "Men in Blue" will play their tournament opening match against the UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium. The most electrifying clash between the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, will be played on September 14 at the same venue.
