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"Marketing And Business Narrative": Uthappa Opens Up On Shubman Gill's Asia Cup Selection

Jatin

Shubman Gill is India's vice-captain in Asia Cup 2025 [Source: @Naji_Gill_77/x.com]Shubman Gill is India's vice-captain in Asia Cup 2025 [Source: @Naji_Gill_77/x.com]

The T20I Asia Cup is approaching quickly and while most fans were busy picking probable XIs, the selectors threw a googly by bringing Shubman Gill back in the T20 mix. And not just that, he has also been handed the vice-captain’s badge.

Uthappa Hints At Non-Cricketing Reasons Behind Gill’s Selection

However, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa isn’t buying the “form-first” story. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts. He hinted that Gill’s return to the shortest format isn’t just about runs and numbers:

“I think the marketing and business narrative also takes precedence, which is why he is brought in. You want certain superstars to take the game forward. Shubman is going to be one of them.”

Shubman Gill hasn’t featured in a T20I since July last year, when India toured Sri Lanka, the same series that marked the beginning of Gautam Gambhir’s stint as head coach. Since then, Gill’s white-ball presence dimmed, while his Test stocks soared.

Uthappa believes the comeback wasn’t entirely earned through T20 heroics.

“From an Indian cricket perspective, at all kinds of eras, you have always had superstars and they have backed a particular player for the sake of Indian cricket. I think that narrative is continued to be followed right now,” he said.

According to him, the selectors have created a tricky situation by bringing Gill back to T20s and this will add more pressure on him.

What Do The Numbers Say?

Now to be fair, Shubman wasn’t exactly twiddling his thumbs in the IPL. He was all guns blazing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, smashing 650 runs in 15 games at a strike rate of 155.88. That included six half-centuries and plenty of class. He finished as the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament.

The numbers back the pick. But Uthappa’s larger point still stands: was this selection purely cricketing or was it also about selling the game around a brand-ready face like Gill?

India's Asia Cup Opener

Defending champs India will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts UAE on September 10. Pakistan and Oman make up the rest of Group A. But all eyes, for now, are on that vice-captaincy armband and the man wearing it.