Bizarre confusion over Shubman Gill's Asia Cup inclusion between broadcasters and BCCI sparks social media furore

There was bizarre confusion over Shubman Gill's inclusion in India's Asia Cup squad after the broadcasters made a mistake.

With the Asia Cup 2023 set to begin on August 30, BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar announced a 17-member squad for the continental showpiece, on Monday in Delhi. Jasprit Bumrah, who was out of action for a lengthy period but made his comeback in the ongoing Ireland T20I series, was part of the squad Meanwhile, Tilak Varma, who hasn't made his ODI debut yet, has been included in the line-up. Also, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer were back, making their return from respective injuries.

India's Shubman Gill plays a shot. (AP)

Considering the importance of the announcement, the squad was supposed to be a big deal as the Asia Cup was a pre-curser for the Indian team to sort their combinations ahead of the World Cup. However, moments before Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma were about to address the media, a wave of confusion swept over the scene. Star Sports, the official broadcasters, committed a significant blunder while unveiling the team roster through an infographic.

Surprisingly, Shubman Gill was mysteriously absent from their presentation. The first infographic left Gill out, sending shockwaves to the media contingent and fans, with many wondering if the young opener, who was rested from the Ireland T20Is, picked up an injury that wasn't know to them during the West Indies series. The error sent Indian cricket enthusiasts into a brief frenzy until the broadcaster recognised their mistake and promptly rectified it.

Here are some of the reactions:

Gill is a key part of Rohit Sharma and India's scheme of things and has cemented himself into the squad as a first-choice opener, replacing veteran Shikhar Dhawan. Fans were left more confused as Gill is also India's highest run-scorer in ODIs since 2022. In 27 ODIs, the Gujarat Titans star has smacked 1437 runs, at an average of 62.48 and 104.06 strike rate, packed with four tons, a double hundred and six half-centuries.

Rahul and Iyer have been recovering and rehabilitating from their injuries for quite sometime at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Last week, the pair participated in match-simulation exercises and played practice games as well to prove their fitness. Shreyas has been out of action since Australia's tour of India in March, while Rahul has been missing since pulling his hamstring during the IPL 2023.

Meanwhile, Bumrah's return will see him partner with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj in the pace battery, both of whom were rested during the ODI series vs West Indies. Few eyeballs were raised when Yuzvendra Chahal wasn't named part of the squad, with the selectors going for Kuldeep Yadav as the preferred wrist-spinner. All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be the finger-spinning options.