Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his shock and disappointment over the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad. Ashwin, known for his candid opinions, questioned the selection decision made by the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, given Jaiswal’s impressive performances and his role as a backup opener in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Jaiswal, who has been in exceptional form, is on the reserves list for the eight-team tournament but failed to make it into the main squad. This decision came as a surprise to many, especially since Shubman Gill, who was brought back into the squad as vice-captain, edged Jaiswal out.
The Battle Between Jaiswal and Gill for the Spot
Jaiswal has played 23 T20Is for India, scoring 723 runs at an impressive strike rate of 164.31. His most recent T20I was in July 2024 against Sri Lanka. Coincidentally, this was also the series in which Shubman Gill played his last T20I before his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad.
Ashwin acknowledged Shubman Gill’s credentials but raised valid concerns about Jaiswal’s exclusion, given that he was part of the World Cup squad just months earlier. He also questioned the selectors’ decision to drop Jaiswal, considering his proven ability in T20s.
Ashwin’s Disappointment and His Plea for Transparency
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ Ashwin said, “I understand that selection is a thankless job. Leaving someone out is never easy. You have to be upfront with the players and explain the reasons behind the decision.”
Ashwin also expressed his sadness for both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, who was also left out of the squad. He believed that these players deserved a more transparent explanation.
“I genuinely understand Shubman Gill’s selection. He’s the vice-captain and has performed well in the IPL. But it’s just not fair for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. They both have been performing well,” Ashwin remarked.
The Threat to Sanju Samson’s Spot
Ashwin didn’t stop there; he further speculated that with Shubman Gill’s inclusion, Sanju Samson’s spot in the playing XI is under serious threat. Ashwin pointed out that Agarkar had mentioned in the press conference that Samson only played in the absence of both Gill and Jaiswal, implying that his place could now be in jeopardy.
He also touched on the issue of having the same player as captain for all formats, suggesting that the obsession with creating an all-format captain needs to stop. “What is sadder is that you have announced Gill as the vice-captain. Sanju Samson’s place is also under threat,” Ashwin added.
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