'You cannot undermine or underestimate him' - Former player backs Shubman Gill ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Former India cricketer backs Shubman Gill for Asia Cup 2025, stressing his class and consistency despite rising stars like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma making strong cases.
Shubman Gill (Image Credit: BCCI)
Last Updated: 11.02 AM, Aug 19, 2025
The buzz around India’s batting line-up for the upcoming Asia Cup has largely centered on emerging names and fresh combinations. Performances from youngsters such as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and the ever-reliable Suryakumar Yadav have given selectors plenty of options, creating speculation that some established names might be overlooked.
But former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has stepped in to remind everyone that Shubman Gill’s stature and skill cannot be undermined, no matter how strong the competition appears. Gill has already proved himself across formats. From leading India in Tests in England to producing consistent runs in ODIs, his versatility is well recognized.
However, the 25-year-old’s absence from recent T20 series has triggered debate about whether he remains central to India’s shortest-format plans. Harbhajan, speaking about the balance India needs, dismissed the doubts, emphasizing that Gill’s technique and temperament still make him one of India’s most reliable modern batters.
"Yes, we do have players like Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma, but you cannot undermine or underestimate Shubman Gill. He is a very talented batter who can adapt to any format. He is an all-format player. In my opinion, he can play T20s and even dominate the format. We as fans are used to seeing fours and sixes every ball, but you also need batters who can play long innings and rescue the team when required,” said Harbhajan Singh as quoted by TOI.
Meanwhile, India’s new wave of T20 stars has indeed made a strong case. Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive intent and clean ball-striking have made him an instant hit. Tilak Varma has showcased maturity well beyond his years, stringing together match-winning knocks and even registering a unique world record of scoring 318 consecutive runs between dismissals in T20Is. Add to this the explosiveness of Suryakumar Yadav, now entrusted with captaincy duties, and India’s bench strength looks richer than ever.
As the Asia Cup approaches, the debate around India’s batting line-up will only intensify. But Harbhajan’s words serve as a reminder that while fresh talent is crucial, experience and proven pedigree matter just as much. In Gill, India has a batter who can both anchor and dominate, and his presence may prove decisive in high-pressure encounters.