Expect Surya to step up: Raman

In the next 48 hours, Indian men will be taking the field against United Arab Emirates in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025.

- GOMESH S @Chennai

In the next 48 hours, Indian men will be taking the field against United Arab Emirates in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025. Before they do so, there are a few things to finalize for captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir in terms of their batting line-up as well as team combination. Former India women head coach WV Raman, in a conversation facilitated by Sony Sports Network (the official broadcaster of Asia Cup), talks about a fair few of such questions the team management faces including Rinku Singh's place in the XI, the form of Suryakumar and more. Excerpts.

On Gill coming into mix

I think he's perhaps going to do something Sourav Ganguly did in his career. He's perhaps going to stick to middle-order in Tests and play at the top of the order in white-ball cricket. His inclusion is perhaps a part of the long-term, larger-picture decisions that are likely to be made. I think he's going to be handed over the capacity sooner or later for all formats from what we get to hear and what we can surmise. That's probably something that's motivated them to bring him into the side, give him the promotion as well as becoming the deputy to SKY.

On SKY's form & captaincy