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Mohammad Kaif advocates for Sanju Samson to bat at No.3 in the Asia Cup 2025, ahead of Tilak Varma. Citing Samson's experience and form, Kaif believes he's ideal against Afghanistan, especially facing Rashid Khan. He highlighted Samson's IPL record, South African centuries, and Kerala Cricket League performance.

Team India will participate in the Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor after Dream11 ended its contract due to new online gaming regulations. Consequently, the 'India' logo on the team's jerseys will be more prominent.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan feels the return of Shubman Gill in T20Is won't put any extra pressure on Suryakumar Yadav as he's not an insecure player.

Shubman Gill and Harbhajan Singh have voiced their concerns and support for Punjab as devastating floods impact over 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts. The floods have caused widespread displacement and damage, prompting the state government to establish relief camps and mobilise multiple agencies for rescue operations. Support and resources are being directed to aid affected communities.

Sanju Samson is dominating the Kerala Cricket League 2025, silencing critics with four consecutive match-winning knocks for Kochi Blue Tigers. He has amassed 368 runs at a blistering strike rate of 186.80, including a century and three Player of the Match awards.

Sanju Samson showcased his exceptional form in the Kerala Cricket League, smashing 83 off 41 balls, marking his fourth consecutive fifty-plus score. This performance arrives as he vies for an opening position in the Asia Cup squad alongside Shubman Gill.

Rohit Sharma, after completing fitness tests with Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill, engaged in playful banter with Mumbai airport paparazzi. Sharma last played competitive cricket in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, having since retired from Test cricket. He's gearing up for the limited-overs tour of Australia, while Gill and Bumrah prepare for the Asia Cup 2025.

Arshdeep Singh, after an unfortunate injury during the England Test series, showcased his readiness in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal. Despite not playing, he utilised his time in England to hone his skills, focusing on strength and conditioning.

Shubman Gill and other senior Indian cricketers are at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. They are undergoing fitness analysis. Rohit Sharma is preparing for the Australia tour. Speculation suggests Rohit and Virat Kohli may play in the India A series against Australia A. This series will provide valuable match practice. Rohit last played competitively in June.

As India gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Suresh Raina suggests a bold opening pair. With Kohli and Sharma potentially out, Raina backs youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma to lead the charge. He also mentioned Priyansh Arya, who impressed in his debut IPL season, could be a surprise package.

Shubman Gill, recovering from a viral flu, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru to begin Asia Cup preparations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He will undergo assessment and training due to unsuitable facilities near his home, and is likely to depart for Dubai from Bengaluru, joining other squad members.

Following the retirements of Kohli, Sharma and Pujara, Indian cricket enters a new era with Shubman Gill leading a young squad. Krishnamachari Srikkanth has voiced his concerns about the BCCI's handling of these retirements, citing a communication gap and the lack of fitting farewells for such accomplished players.

Sanju Samson's explosive form in the Kerala Cricket League, marked by three consecutive fifties, has reignited discussions about his place in India's Asia Cup squad. His adaptability and attacking prowess, showcased by a blistering 121 and consistent scoring, have impressed many.

Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts a strong comeback for Shreyas Iyer. Iyer was ignored for the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Lobo believes Iyer's horoscope indicates a potential captaincy. He suggests Iyer could lead India to a major tournament victory, possibly a World Cup. Lobo warns selectors against overlooking Iyer's talent.

Bazid Khan analyzed India's Asia Cup squad, noting the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will impact the team's intensity. He highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's struggles against Pakistan and emphasized Ravindra Jadeja's all-round contribution and fielding prowess will be missed. India faces the challenge of finding the right combination to compensate for these key players.

Cheteshwar Pujara, India's Test batting mainstay, has retired from all cricket forms after a stellar career spanning from 2010 to 2023. He emphasized creating opportunities for younger players and expressed satisfaction with his media engagements. Pujara fondly recalled his innings in Colombo, Adelaide, and double centuries in India, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Steyn, Anderson, and Cummins.

Amidst speculation about India's next ODI captain, Aakash Chopra has dismissed rumors linking Shreyas Iyer to the role. Chopra asserts that Shubman Gill is the likely successor to Rohit Sharma, already holding vice-captaincy in ODIs and leading in Tests. Gill's rise has also shifted Axar Patel from T20 vice-captaincy, solidifying Gill's position as the heir apparent for India's white-ball leadership.

After including Shubman Gill in India's Asia Cup squad and reinstating him as the vice captain, the BCCI is planning to make him the all-format leader in future. However, is that idea feasible in modern day cricket?

Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the Indian selection committee's approach of rewarding players for Test performances with T20I spots, deeming it illogical. He questioned Shubman Gill's inclusion in the Asia Cup squad while expressing shock over Shreyas Iyer's exclusion despite his outstanding IPL form and recent displays of maturity in other formats.

Shubman Gill is all set to miss the Duleep Trophy 2025 due to illness, with Ankit Kumar set to lead North Zone in his absence. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will play only the opening match before leaving for Asia Cup duties.