India's pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, has reportedly made himself available for selection for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, giving the team a significant boost. According to reports, the 31-year-old fast bowler has communicated his readiness to participate in the continental tournament to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel. The selection committee is scheduled to meet on August 19 in Mumbai to finalize the 15-member squad for the T20 format tournament, which will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28.
Bumrah's availability is a major relief for the Indian team, as he is a key player in their bowling attack. He has been absent from white-ball cricket for India since the T20 World Cup last year. He was also released from the Test squad for the fifth match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to manage his workload. He played three of the first four Tests, where he claimed two five-wicket hauls and bowled 119.4 overs.
Concerns about Bumrah's fitness have been raised after a back injury sidelined him for four months earlier this year. However, with the Asia Cup being played in the T20 format, these concerns are expected to be less pressing. Bumrah will only need to bowl a maximum of four overs per match, and with adequate rest between fixtures, his workload is unlikely to be an issue. He will also have a significant break between his last Test appearance in England and India's opening match of the tournament.
The Asia Cup 2025 is particularly significant as it serves as a precursor to the 2026 T20 World Cup, offering teams an opportunity to finalize strategies and key player roles in subcontinental conditions. The tournament will be the 17th edition of the Asia Cup and will be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 26.
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav is expected to lead Team India, as he was announced as the T20I captain after Rohit Sharma's retirement following the 2024 World Cup. Shubman Gill, India's newly appointed Test captain, is also expected to be a part of the squad. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj are likely to be Bumrah's partners in the pace bowling unit for India.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has already created a stir with his own team prediction for the Asia Cup 2025. Kaif included Shubman Gill in the 15-member squad but left him out of the playing XI. He picked Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as his opening pair, with Tilak Varma at No. 3. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav were included in Kaif's middle and lower order.
