With less than a month to go for the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket team management and selectors are working to finalise the squad. The tournament will be played in the UAE from September 9, with India placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and UAE.
The final squad is likely to be announced around August 19-20, once the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru shares fitness updates on key players.
Core Batting Line-up Looks Settled
India’s top order is almost confirmed, with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya likely to form the backbone of the batting unit.
Shubman Gill and Axar Patel are frontrunners for the vice-captaincy. Gill’s consistent form and Axar’s leadership experience make them strong contenders.
Fitness Reports Crucial for Final Selection
- Shreyas Iyer has passed his NCA fitness test, boosting his chances of a return to the national side.
- Suryakumar Yadav, however, is still awaiting final clearance from medical staff.
- Hardik Pandya remains on a “waiting list” until his match fitness is fully confirmed.
Opening Combination Options
- Abhishek Sharma is set for one opening slot.
- The second openers could be:
- Sanju Samson – brings experience and recent good form.
- Shubman Gill – in strong touch this year.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – explosive but yet to cement his place.
Possible All-rounder Boost
Krunal Pandya, who played a match-winning role in the IPL 2025 final, is being seriously considered for a return to the team. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball offers valuable balance to the squad.
Likely Absentees
Reports suggest that KL Rahul may not be part of the T20 squad due to team balance concerns in the middle order. Sai Sudharsan and possibly Yashasvi Jaiswal could also miss out depending on the final 15-player list.
Bowling Department Choices
- Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the pace attack, though he might be rested for low-stakes matches.
- Arshdeep Singh is almost certain to feature, with the third pacer spot a fight between Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana.
- Spin options include Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, with either Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy likely to be added for variety.
Also read: Top 5 Indian Captains with Most Runs in a Single Test Series – Full List with Stats
Wicketkeeping Backup
Sanju Samson is first-choice wicketkeeper. Jitesh Sharma or Dhruv Jurel could be picked as the backup gloveman, with the decision likely based on their recent domestic T20 performances.
Expected Squad Announcement Date
- The BCCI will release the official squad once all fitness clearances are in, most likely by August 20.
Likely Squad Composition
- Batsmen: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
- Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna/Harshit Rana Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakravarthy
- Reserves/WK Backups: Jitesh Sharma, Dhruv Jurel
- Possible Exclusions: KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal
India’s Likely Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma or Dhruv Jurel, Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
