The upcoming Asia Cup presents a crucial test for Shubman Gill, particularly in his role as vice-captain. While he has shown promise, especially in the previous Asia Cup where he was a top performer for India, his success in the upcoming tournament is uncertain due to the conditions in Dubai.
The key concern for Gill is his vulnerability against spin bowling. Although he is generally known as a good player of spin, the pitch in Dubai is expected to favor spinners, making this a critical area to watch. His T20 International stats against spinners are a cause for concern.
Gill’s record shows that in 18 T20 International innings, he has only managed 190 runs against spinners, averaging 19 with a strike rate of 125. These figures could prove problematic during the Asia Cup, where spin bowlers will likely play a prominent role. Furthermore, teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan boast strong spin attacks.
However, there is a positive side: Gill performed well against spinners in the 2025 IPL. He scored 270 runs against spin, maintaining a strike rate above 163 and an average of 135. Gill was dismissed only twice by spinners in the IPL, indicating a recent improvement. The Asia Cup will be a test to see if he can translate that success to the international stage.