Asia Cup 2025: Led by Suryakumar Yadav, Team India is yet to put a foot wrong in the ongoing continental tournament in the UAE. In their opening game, they thrashed the UAE. But, while things are on the right track, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has made a controversial claim. 

As per Tiwary, India coach Gautam Gambhir is someone who apparently likes ‘puppets’. Tiwary, who has spent a lot of time with Gambhir at KKR and the Indian team, has claimed that Shubman Gill was drafted into the Asia Cup squad as the vice-captain for that reason. 

‘It’s an open secret’

“It’s an open secret that Gautam Gambhir wants a captain who will listen to him. Gill has been brilliant, no doubt, but when Abhishek and Samson were delivering outstanding starts, why disrupt that rhythm? The answer is simple — Gambhir wanted someone who would follow his vision without questioning.”
Whatever it is, the results are coming India's way as of now with Gambhir at the helm. 

Has Gill Lived Up to Expectations? 

The sample size is small, and the targets India was chasing in the two games were also not daunting. 
To be honest, Gill has not been tested as yet. He has scored 20* off nine balls against the UAE. India takes on Oman in their final group game on Friday,  September 19, in Dubai. For the unversed, Team India has already booked its spot in the Super 4.