Asia Cup 2025: India’s Vice-captain Shubman Gill Names The ‘weirdest Person’ He Has Played Cricket With

As the curtains rose on the Asia Cup 2025, Indian opener and skipper Shubman Gill found himself not only in the spotlight for his team’s dominating win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but also for a light-hearted and unexpected cricketing anecdote involving Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes. Gill’s dual presence—both on the field as a leader and off the field as a storyteller—has added a refreshing layer of charisma to India’s campaign and fans’ conversations.

India’s Blistering Start to Asia Cup 2025

India began their Asia Cup title defense with a performance that was nothing short of clinical. Taking on the hosts UAE in Dubai, the Indian bowling attack completely dismantled the opposition batting line-up, restricting them to just 57 runs in 16 overs. The match, though expected to be one-sided, turned into a statistical marvel as the Indian bowlers ran riot.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Comeback Heroics

The undisputed hero of the match was left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who returned to T20I cricket in grand fashion. Having not featured prominently during India’s tour of England, Kuldeep was raring to make a mark. And he did—claiming a sensational 4 for 7 in just 2.3 overs. His spell was a masterclass in deception and control, triggering a collapse that saw UAE lose their last eight wickets for just 10 runs.

This performance also broke a personal jinx for Kuldeep. It marked his first Player of the Match award in T20 internationals in seven years—the last one dating back to 2018. His 50th T20I wicket away from home elevated him past Ravichandran Ashwin as India’s top spinner in overseas T20s.

Shivam Dube: The X-Factor

While Kuldeep stole the headlines, Shivam Dube provided the perfect support with a devastating spell of 3 for 4 in two overs. Dube’s ability to extract bounce and bowl accurate slower balls made him a potent force during the middle overs. His performance not only tightened India’s grip on the match but also hinted at his growing importance in India’s white-ball plans.

India’s Ruthless Chase: Gill’s Grace and Abhishek’s Aggression

With a paltry target of 58 to chase, India made sure to close the game with aggression and style. Young opener Abhishek Sharma went ballistic, scoring 30 runs off just 16 balls, including three fours and two sixes. His fearless stroke play set the tone for what became India’s fastest successful run chase in T20Is.

Shubman Gill, playing the anchor’s role, remained unbeaten on 20 off 9 balls. Though his time at the crease was brief, his strokes were elegant, composed, and assured. It was a statement of calm authority from the Indian captain, showcasing that even in a sprint, he can lead with style and clarity.

India chased down the target in just 4.3 overs, with 93 balls remaining—an emphatic nine-wicket victory that boosted their net run rate and sent a warning signal to other tournament contenders.

Gill’s Off-Field Revelation: Cricket with Bruno Fernandes

While India’s on-field brilliance garnered praise, it was a cheeky and charming off-field moment that added flavor to the narrative. During a relaxed interaction on Apple Music’s YouTube channel with host Naina, Shubman Gill was asked an unusual question: Who is the weirdest person he has ever played cricket with?

Without missing a beat, Gill replied, “Bruno Fernandes.”

This surprising answer sent shockwaves of amusement through the online world. Gill went on to explain the context: he had visited Old Trafford, the home stadium of Manchester United, during a special camp where athletes from different disciplines shared insights and experiences. While some of the English footballers had a bit of school-level cricket exposure, Bruno Fernandes, Portugal’s midfield maestro and Manchester United’s captain, had never touched a cricket bat or ball before.

Gill laughed as he recounted watching Bruno awkwardly try to play cricket, describing it as “fun and fascinating.”

Cross-Sport Respect

Naina, the host, teased Gill for not being a true Manchester United fan. Gill responded with a grin, “No, no, I am a Man U fan. I love all sports, and just watching different athletes go about their things and knowing their mindset is something I really enjoy.”

This candid moment offered fans a glimpse into Gill’s personality beyond the boundary ropes. It also showed his deep appreciation for sportsmanship, camaraderie, and cross-cultural experiences that transcend traditional sporting rivalries.

Leadership and Maturity: Shubman Gill’s New Chapter

Appointed India’s T20I captain for the Asia Cup 2025, Shubman Gill has embraced the responsibility with composure and maturity. In a team filled with experience and youth alike, Gill’s calm demeanor and strategic clarity are shaping India’s campaign.

His brief but composed innings against UAE, along with his off-field charisma, reflects a leader who understands the balance between performance and presence. Unlike leaders who rely solely on big scores, Gill appears to be cultivating a leadership style built on consistency, team spirit, and connection with the fans.

With high-stakes matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka coming up in the group stage, Gill’s role will become even more crucial—both as a batsman and a strategist.

The Road Ahead: Bigger Tests Await

India’s dominant win over UAE has certainly set the tone for their Asia Cup campaign, but sterner tests await. Their next match is against arch-rivals Pakistan, a team stacked with firepower and known for high-voltage performances in multi-nation tournaments.

Gill’s leadership will be tested not just tactically but emotionally. Navigating the pressure of an Indo-Pak clash requires clarity, confidence, and cool-headed decision-making—all traits Gill seems to possess.

On the bowling front, Kuldeep and Dube’s form adds a new layer of threat, while the top-order firepower gives India enough muscle to dominate any side. However, consistency will be the key in a tournament where momentum shifts can be rapid and brutal.

Shubman Gill—A Captain, a Cricketer, and a Global Sportsman

The opening day of Asia Cup 2025 offered more than just cricketing brilliance. It showcased India’s commanding form, Kuldeep Yadav’s redemption arc, and a delightful peek into Shubman Gill’s evolving journey as a leader and personality.

From smashing boundaries to sharing cricket space with Bruno Fernandes, Gill is emerging as more than just a cricketer—he’s becoming a global sportsman with curiosity, charm, and courage. As India continues its Asia Cup campaign, fans can expect more runs, more records, and hopefully, more stories from their charismatic captain.

For now, Gill has set the tone. And the cricketing world is watching.

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