India announce squad for Asia Cup 2025
After a brief delay in the selection committee meeting in the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, the Asia Cup 2025 squad was announced by India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, and India’s Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar. Here’s a look at India announce squad for Asia Cup 2025.
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The comebacks in Squad
India’s 15-member Asia Cup squad sees the return of several big names, bolstering the team’s prospects. Jasprit Bumrah, the 2024 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, makes a significant comeback to T20Is after focusing on Test cricket and missing the Champions Trophy due to injury. His lethal pace and leadership in the bowling unit are pivotal.
Shubman Gill, named vice-captain, returns after a year’s absence from T20Is, bringing his recent form from the Champions Trophy and IPL 2025 (650 runs at 155.87 strike rate). Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, both wicket-keepers, rejoin the squad after over a year, with Samson likely to open alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Kuldeep Yadav also marks his T20I return since the 2024 World Cup final, strengthening the spin department alongside Varun Chakravarthy. These comebacks add depth and experience to India’s quest for a ninth Asia Cup title.
Why were they left out?
The exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer has sparked debate. Jaiswal, initially considered as a third opener, was overlooked due to Shubman Gill’s return as vice-captain and the strong performances of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as openers. Gill’s leadership role and recent form edged Jaiswal out, relegating him to the reserves.
Shreyas Iyer, despite a stellar IPL 2025 (604 runs at 175.07 strike rate), couldn’t secure a spot due to a settled top order featuring Samson, Abhishek, and Tilak Varma. The middle order is packed with all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, leaving no vacancy for Iyer. The selectors prioritized balance and current form, sidelining both players despite their credentials.
The challenge ahead
India, the defending champions, face a tough Asia Cup campaign starting September 9, 2025, in the UAE. Their group-stage fixtures include UAE (September 10), arch-rivals Pakistan (September 14), and Oman (September 19), all in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The Super Fours (September 20-26) and final (September 28) will test their mettle further.
With a star-studded squad led by Suryakumar Yadav and bolstered by Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh (2024 T20I Cricketer of the Year), and all-rounders like Pandya, India aim for a record-extending ninth title. However, facing strong teams like Pakistan and adapting to UAE conditions pose significant challenges for the well-rounded squad.
India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025: Surya Kumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (Wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (Wicket-keeper), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
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