As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, anticipation is building regarding the composition of the Indian squad. Set to be picked on August 19 in Mumbai, the team selection is generating considerable buzz, especially with India aiming to defend their title in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Several reports suggest that Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team. Despite undergoing rehab for a sports hernia, he is expected to attend the selection meeting, confirming his role as captain. With the absence of veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have supposedly retired from T20Is after the T20 World Cup 2024, a younger team is expected to take the field.
The batting lineup is likely to feature Abhishek Sharma, who is currently the top-ranked T20I batter, and Sanju Samson as openers. Tilak Varma is also expected to secure a spot in the middle order. There is stiff competition for middle-order slots between Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma; however, some reports indicate that Iyer may miss out, with selectors supposedly asking Jaiswal to focus on Test cricket. Rinku Singh, known for his finishing abilities, and Jitesh Sharma, with his explosive hitting and wicket-keeping skills, are also in contention.
Shubman Gill's inclusion remains a talking point. While he has had a strong performance since the last T20 World Cup, the presence of other top-order batsmen might make it difficult for him to find a place. If Gill is included, he may have to bat in the middle order, potentially disrupting the batting combination. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are expected to be the two main all-rounders in the squad. Washington Sundar could also be considered for his all-round abilities.
The pace attack will likely be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana, with Hardik Pandya adding to the seam options. The spin department may see Varun Chakravarthy as the specialist spinner, with either Kuldeep Yadav or Ravi Bishnoi as the second option. Since the start of 2024, India has experimented with various spinners in T20Is, including Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.
The Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the T20 format as preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, is scheduled from September 9-28 in the UAE. India is in Group A with Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE. Their campaign will begin against the UAE on September 9, followed by a high-stakes match against Pakistan on September 14.
