Indian team management is likely to back the Abhishek–Gill pair at the top and Samson might be asked to bat down the order. Still, a look at their T20I numbers paints an interesting picture.

After the 2023 IPL, where Shubman Gill amassed 890 runs, he had made a compelling case to be considered as an opener for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He wasn’t able to replicate a similar form in India colours and lost his spot for the tournament in the US and Caribbean.

Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain for Asia Cup 2025 T20Is has stirred debate. Seen as a reward for his successful Test captaincy debut, it raises questions over India’s T20I opening combination and signals a long-term leadership investment.