The selection conundrum regarding India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is heating up with a new report coming out almost everyday since the past week. There has been a lot of unrest and confusion from the BCCI as they have struggled to identify players whom they are likely to select.
BCCI will be announcing India’s Asia Cup squad on August 19. However, before naming the squad, they find themselves in an iffy spot as the time to announce the squad is approaching.
BCCI’s overall thinking, coupled with the media reports that have been circling since the last few days have made one thing clear. The board is not keen on selecting Shubman Gill, India’s Test skipper. They are also not particularly keen on selecting the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj. One more thing which is also clear is that Suryakumar Yadav will be leading the side in his first major tournament as India’s T20I skipper.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill, Siraj likely to miss the tournament
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Team India's Likely Contenders For Asia Cup 2025
After initially showing interest in Gill, the selectors are now keen on giving Yashasvi Jaiswal a chance as India’s third-choice opener. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma might be the likely openers. Among the bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah has communicated his availability for the tournament to the BCCI, while Mohammed Siraj might be axed. The middle-order has also opened up a lot of options for the BCCI to consider.
Based on the recent reports and other major considerations, in this article, we predict India’s likely Asia Cup 2025 squad, with the tournament scheduled to be played between September 9-28 in the UAE.
Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal
As per recent reports, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson might be the likely openers in the tournament. The selectors are likely to stick with the pair and want to give them continuity. Jaiswal might be selected as the third opener ahead of Shubman Gill.
Middle Order: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube
The real conundrum in selection is the middle-order batters. They are proper batters and then there are all-rounders who are fighting for spots in the lineup. As per reports, SKY, Tilak and Rinku are confirmed selections. With Hardik Pandya as a confirmed selection in the middle-order, one more batting slot remains open at number seven. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube are the options for that number. It will be interesting to see how the consensus is reached. Meanwhile, there is no place for Shreyas Iyer in the squad, is something that can be confirmed.
Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma
As per the latest reports, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are the likely options for the wicketkeeper’s role. Both batters bat in different positions. While Sanju opens the batting, Jitesh is a designated finisher.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
Hardik Pandya is a no-brainer in the Indian T20I XI given his prowess as a seam-bowling all-rounder. The real tussle for the number seven-eight spot might be between Axar and Sundar. Washington did a brilliant job with bat and ball in the England series, but whether he is selected over Axar Patel, who is also likely to be the designated vice-captain, is the question.
Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
Bumrah is expected to play in the tournament and is expected to lead the attack as well. The other almost confirmed selection in the XI is that of Arshdeep Singh, who is India’s leading wicket-taker in the format. The third seamer option might be between Rana or Prasidh with Hardik as the fourth seamer option. Bumrah has found enough time to rest and get himself fresh for the tournament. His last T20I for India was the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa.
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi
Kuldeep Varun and Ravi Bishnoi are the likely spin trio who will be selected for the Asia Cup as per latest reports in Cricbuzz. There might be a total of five spin options with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar if he is selected as well.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Gautam Gambhir’s Opinion Key Behind Shubman Gill’s Selection: Reports
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India’s Predicted Squad For Asia Cup 2025:
Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi
Also Read: “No Place for Him Right Now” - Aakash Chopra on Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup Chances
