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With Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, India's opening combination is under scrutiny. Ajinkya Rahane anticipates Gill partnering with Abhishek Sharma, despite Sanju Samson's strong form. Rahane also expressed excitement about the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

Sanju Samson is set to embrace a new role in the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill's return potentially shifting Samson down the batting order. Likely to bat at number five or six, Samson demonstrated his adaptability by moving down the order in a recent Kerala Cricket League match.

Once considered Rohit Sharma's successor, Hardik Pandya's captaincy aspirations have faded due to injuries and fitness concerns, leading to Suryakumar Yadav's rise as a preferred leader. Despite losing the captaincy role to SKY and Shubman Gill, Pandya's influence within the team remains significant.

Mohammad Kaif has said it will be tough for Sanju Samson to secure a spot in India's playing XI for the Asia Cup. Kaif believes Shubman Gill, who is now the vice-captain, will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts Shubman Gill will be a prolific run-scorer for India, possessing a "phenomenal horoscope." While Gill's leadership has shown promise, Lobo suggests his captaincy might not immediately translate to major ICC trophy wins.

Keshav Maharaj has regained the top spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, surpassing Kuldeep Yadav, who now ranks third. Namibia's Bernard Scholtz made a significant leap to fourth, marking a milestone for Associate cricket. Shubman Gill remains the top ODI batter, while India's Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma lead the T20I batting rankings, showcasing India's dominance in both formats.

Mohammad Kaif has endorsed Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma's successor in ODIs, anticipating Rohit's retirement after the 2027 World Cup. Kaif highlighted Gill's impressive run-scoring record and leadership qualities, noting his Test captaincy and T20I vice-captaincy. Gill's maturity and form, particularly during the England series, have solidified his position as a future leader, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

While Shubman Gill is being groomed as a future leader, Ambati Rayudu believes Shreyas Iyer should be India's next ODI captain. Rayudu cites Iyer's calmness and success leading KKR to an IPL title, along with his ability to guide underdog teams. Iyer's consistent ODI performance, including a strong Champions Trophy and World Cup, further strengthens Rayudu's argument.

Following India's five-wicket loss to England in the first Test, former Australian player Brad Haddin urges captain Shubman Gill to improve the team's fielding attitude. Haddin links poor catching to the IPL and emphasizes that fielding excellence requires commitment. India dropped eight catches, costing them dearly, especially with Ben Duckett's match-winning performance.

The new World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle has commenced with Australia and England leading with a perfect PCT of 100. Sri Lanka follows after their series against Bangladesh. India, despite Shubman Gill's team's impressive fight and five centurions, suffered a loss to England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to a middle-order collapse.

Jasprit Bumrah's return to training has boosted India's bowling preparations for the Edgbaston Test after their Headingley defeat. Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj bowled in the nets, injecting intensity into the team's practice. While Bumrah's inclusion remains uncertain due to workload management, his presence offers hope as Team India aims to level the series.

Rishabh Pant's historic twin centuries at Headingley propelled him to seventh in ICC Test rankings, while Ben Duckett's stellar performance secured him eighth position. Shubman Gill climbed to 20th after a century. Jasprit Bumrah remains the top Test bowler. In T20Is, Michael Levitt and Brandon McMullen made significant gains, reflecting the growing competitiveness in international cricket.