India has revealed its 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. The team, announced on August 19, 2025, excludes big names like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, sparking widespread discussion.
Squad Composition and Notable Omissions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squad during a press conference in Mumbai, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The team blends experienced players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya with young talents like Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana, aiming for a balanced T20 lineup. India will compete in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE.
The exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, despite their strong IPL performances, surprised many. Agarkar explained that Abhishek Sharma’s all-round abilities edged out Jaiswal, while Iyer found no spot due to the team’s depth. Both players are listed as standbys alongside Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, and Riyan Parag.
Full India Squad
The squad is designed to defend India’s Asia Cup title, won in 2023, and prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The complete lineup includes:
- 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 Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Harshit Rana
- Rinku Singh
Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 Schedule – India-Pakistan Match Date Revealed
India’s group stage matches are scheduled against the UAE on September 10, Pakistan on September 14, and Oman on September 19 in Dubai.
Selection Strategy and Context
India, the most successful team in Asia Cup history with eight titles, is shifting toward a younger, aggressive T20 squad. Suryakumar Yadav, who underwent hernia surgery earlier in 2025, returns to lead after a stellar IPL performance. Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain marks his return to T20Is after focusing on Tests and the Champions Trophy.
The omission of Jaiswal and Iyer reflects the selectors’ focus on flexibility, with players like Abhishek Sharma offering both batting and spin bowling. Bumrah, leading the pace attack, and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy strengthen the bowling unit.
Tournament Importance
The Asia Cup 2025, hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a key T20 event ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. India’s high-stakes clash with Pakistan on September 14 is expected to be a highlight of the group stage. The tournament features eight teams, with Group B comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.
India’s strategy emphasizes a versatile batting order and a strong bowling attack, with players like Rinku Singh as finishers and Bumrah leading the pace unit. The team aims to extend its record of nine Asia Cup titles.
What Lies Ahead
India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by the much-anticipated Pakistan match. The team’s performance will be closely watched as a gauge for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Agarkar noted, “This squad balances experience and youth, with flexibility to adapt in T20s.” The BCCI expects the team to dominate the tournament under Suryakumar’s leadership.
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