The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The announcement was made on August 19, 2025, during a press conference in Mumbai, led by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. The squad features several notable inclusions and omissions, sparking discussions among fans and experts alike.
Full Squad Announcement
The Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is as follows:
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Harshit Rana
- Rinku Singh
Standby players include:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Prasidh Krishna
- Washington Sundar
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
Key Highlights and Surprises
Shubman Gill’s Appointment as Vice-Captain
A significant development in the squad announcement was the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Despite being the Test captain, Gill has been included in the T20I setup, reflecting his versatility and leadership qualities. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that Gill’s inclusion was based on his exceptional performances and leadership potential.
Omissions of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal
One of the most talked-about aspects of the squad announcement was the exclusion of middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Iyer’s omission has raised eyebrows, considering his consistent performances in the middle order. Agarkar explained that the selection was based on the available spots and the team’s composition, which led to tough calls.
Similarly, Jaiswal’s exclusion has sparked debates, especially given his impressive performances in domestic cricket. The selectors noted that the presence of multiple openers in the squad made it challenging to accommodate all potential candidates.
Inclusion of Emerging Talents
The squad also sees the inclusion of emerging talents like Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh. Rinku Singh’s selection has been particularly noteworthy, as he has been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setup, leading to discussions about potential biases in selection. However, Agarkar defended the selections, stating that the decisions were made based on merit and the players’ performances.
Return of Key Players
The squad also marks the return of key players like Jasprit Bumrah, who has been included despite concerns over his fitness. Bumrah’s inclusion is seen as a boost to India’s bowling attack, bringing in experience and depth. Similarly, Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion adds variety to the spin department, complementing Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Team Composition and Balance
The selected squad reflects a balanced mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. The batting lineup boasts depth, with the presence of versatile players like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma. The bowling attack is well-rounded, featuring both pace and spin options, ensuring adaptability to various match conditions.
Expectations from the Squad
With the Asia Cup 2025 serving as a crucial preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, expectations are high from the Indian squad. The team aims to clinch a record-extending ninth title, showcasing their dominance in continental cricket. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new combinations perform on the field.
Conclusion
The announcement of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has set the stage for an exciting tournament. While the omissions of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been surprising, the inclusions of emerging talents and the return of key players add depth and dynamism to the team. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian squad to deliver performances that live up to the expectations and bring home the coveted Asia Cup trophy.
The NewsBit Bureau