The Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is set to be announced on August 19 in Mumbai, with the selection panel, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Suryakumar Yadav, finalizing the 15-member team. All eyes are on whether the selectors will stick to a fearless T20 template or spring a surprise.
Squad Composition and Likely Inclusions
Suryakumar Yadav is confirmed to lead the squad. Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Suryakumar Yadav are likely to retain their places from the 2022 Asia Cup squad. Sanju Samson is expected to be the primary wicketkeeper, with Jitesh Sharma as the likely backup. Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh are considered certainties for the middle order. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be included in the squad, assuming he is fit. Arshdeep Singh is expected to retain his spot, with Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana potentially being the third pacer.
The Gill vs. Jaiswal Dilemma
Shubman Gill's inclusion in the squad is uncertain, with reports suggesting that selectors are leaning towards Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as the preferred opening pair. Yashasvi Jaiswal is also a strong contender for an opening slot. Gill's omission would be a significant talking point, considering he is India's Test captain.
Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his insights on the key selection decisions ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement. The current opening combination of Samson and Abhishek Sharma makes it challenging to accommodate both Gill and Jaiswal in the playing XI. With only a 15-member squad allowed for the Asia Cup and World Cup, selecting all four players—Abhishek, Samson, Gill, and Jaiswal—seems unlikely, especially considering the need for backup players in other roles.
All-rounders and Spin Options
Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are likely to be selected as all-rounders. Shivam Dube is also a strong contender for the role of a pace-bowling all-rounder. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi are expected to be the spin options.
Possible Omissions and Surprises
Mohammed Siraj, despite being the leading wicket-taker on the recent England tour, is likely to be dropped. Shreyas Iyer could miss out despite a strong IPL season. Ishan Kishan is ruled out due to injury. KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Shami, and Shardul Thakur are not part of India's current T20 roadmap due to form and fitness issues. Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Shivam Dube are also likely to miss out. There might be one or two big surprises in store when the squad is announced.
The Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the UAE from September 9-28. India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by a high-profile match against Pakistan on September 14.
