The recent changes in the Indian cricket team have created a lot of discussion in the cricketing world. While announcing the T20 team for Asia Cup 2025, BCCI has removed Hardik Pandya from the vice-captaincy and has made young player Shubman Gill the vice-captain in his place. Many people are surprised by this decision, including former India cricketer Madan Lal.
Madan Lal questioned the decision as to why Hardik was removed even though he was the vice-captain in the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that Shubman Gill is playing well, so it makes sense to make him the vice-captain, but there is no reason why Hardik was removed.
He said,
"I agree with them. I am with the selectors… Kya Kaaran hai usko hataya gaya hai (I don't know why Hardik Pandya has been removed). But Gill is a good choice as he is performing well. In the coming time, it is possible that Gill will play in all three formats."
Gill's performance has been very good in recent times and he has the ability to play in all three formats. This may be the reason why the selectors have given him a big responsibility. However, Madan Lal is upset about another thing, that is why a player like Yashasvi Jaiswal was not included in the team.
He said,
"Sometimes you feel surprised that a player like Yashasvi Jaiswal is not in the team. Jaiswal, anyway, plays attacking cricket. He even plays brilliantly in Test matches. I don't know, they've given him rest or they are looking at something, and like that."
Madan Lal believes that Jaiswal is a great player who plays aggressive cricket and his performance in Test matches has also been excellent. It is really surprising to keep such a player out of the team. The selectors may have given him rest or this has been done under some other plan.
On the other hand, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has supported the appointment of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain. He believes that Gill's return to the team is a good decision but this may increase the difficulties for Sanju Samson. Sanju is already struggling to secure his place and now that Gill has got the vice-captaincy, he will play all the matches. In such a situation, it may be a bit difficult for Samson to come in the playing XI.
Kaif said on his YouTube channel said,
"I think Sanju Samson's place in the XI is tough. Like they said, when the team reaches the UAE, they will see how the teams and players are performing. In that way, the XI will be made. If Sanju Samson cannot come in the top 4, which I believe at the moment. There will be Gill and Abhishek Sharma to open. Tilak Varma will play at number three; his record is brilliant for India. And Suryakumar Yadav will come in at number four."
That is, if Samson does not fit in the top 4, then his chances of playing are reduced. Gill and Abhishek Sharma are already present in the team for opening, then Tilak Varma will bat at number three and Suryakumar Yadav will bat at number four.
It is clear from this whole situation that a lot of changes are going on inside the Indian team. Gill's coming into the team and becoming the vice-captain is an indication that in future he can also get the responsibility of captaincy. At the same time, the reason for excluding Hardik is not clear yet. Many people are not able to understand the exclusion of a talented player like Yashasvi Jaiswal.
There has always been a debate about team selection, but the changes that have been made this time have given rise to even more discussions. Now everyone has to see how beneficial these new decisions prove to be for the team in the Asia Cup.