India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement has generated discussions all over, but there is one name that has created maximum buzz — Shubman Gill. The young opening batsman has been appointed vice-captain, which came as a surprise to many since Gill hadn’t played a T20I in more than a year. While fans have welcomed his comeback, others have raised eyebrows over the timing and motive. Adding further weight to this argument, ex-India cricketer Robin Uthappa has even come out in the open and hinted that Gill’s selection is as much about cricketing skills as it is about business and marketing strategy.

The Making of a “Superstar”

In a video on his YouTube channel, Uthappa expressed his open opinions about the topic. Having shared a dressing room with Gill when they played together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Uthappa is certainly aware of the young opener’s career graph. As per him, the Indian team management could have landed themselves in an awkward situation by recalling Gill to the T20 format after a long gap.

“They have created a problem for themselves by introducing Shubman into this entire process of making him part of T20 cricket,” Uthappa said.

He went on to add that this is not an isolated incident but part of a long-established trend in Indian cricket — the support of multi-format stars. In the past, cricketers such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni have been set up as India’s faces of cricket in all three formats. Uthappa believes that Gill is similarly being positioned now, as if the administration would like to mold him into cricket’s next big “superstar” who can support the brand on and off the field.

Cricket or Commerce?

The most compelling aspect of Uthappa’s critique was his assertion that business and commercial thinking might have played a role in Gill’s selection as vice-captain. He implied that Gill is not merely another skilled batter but also a useful commercial asset.

“I believe the marketing and business storytelling also comes first, and I believe that is also a component, that’s why he is also invited,” Uthappa said.

There is truth to this view. Shubman Gill is one of India’s most popular young cricketers. His elegant batting,talent and increasing fan following among kids have made him an ideal pick for brands and seal of approval. For cricket boards and sponsors alike, having Gill as a lead face for major tournaments is a win-win situation for all. In a way, making him vice-captain is not so much about his batting form right now and more about what he represents for the future of Indian cricket.

The Big Test Ahead

Of course, it will all boil down to on-field performance in the end. While Gill’s ODI and Test record have been impressive — most notably his capacity to score large scores in challenging conditions — the T20 game is a different test. Critics have continually argued that his T20 strike rate doesn’t always keep up with the expectations of contemporary power-hitting.

By making him vice-captain in this high-pressure tournament, the team management has already ensured his spot in the XI. The Asia Cup 2025 will now be Gill’s opportunity to shut critics up and show everyone that he is worthy of the faith reposed in him.

If he manages to provide decisive knocks, his inclusion will appear like masterminding. However, if he underperforms, the critics of his inclusion will only increase in volume.

A Balancing Act for Indian Cricket

Robin Uthappa’s remarks point to a larger truth about Indian cricket — it’s not just about on-field performance. Cricket in India also operates on stardom, which brings fame, financial returns, and expansions to the sport. Within such an environment, moves such as Gill’s appointment can never be evaluated based on numbers alone.

Until then, Gill has the added burden of justifying his position with runs and living up to the “superstar” aura that is being created around him. Whether this proves to be a marketing coup or an innovative ploy that falls through will be one of the most fascinating narratives of the Asia Cup 2025.