India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has been announced, sparking celebration for some and disappointment for others as selectors balanced form, leadership and conditions in making their picks.
Our Bureau
Mumbai
India will enter the continental tournament with Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain, signaling continuity after last year’s T20 World Cup triumph. The 15-member squad unveiled in Mumbai features a mix of established performers and rising stars, but the absence of two prolific batters — Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal — has stirred debate.
For Gill, the call-up marks a return to T20Is after more than a year, now with the added responsibility of vice-captain. His stellar form in Tests and IPL — where he piled up 650 runs for Gujarat Titans — made his inclusion inevitable. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Gill’s “leadership qualities and form in England exceeded expectations,” justifying his elevation.
The squad also boasts firepower up top with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and Gill in contention to open alongside skipper Surya. Tilak has cemented himself as a reliable No. 3 with an average above 55 in 13 T20Is. Samson, rejuvenated as a T20I opener with three centuries this year, will share wicketkeeping duties with Jitesh Sharma.
All-round strength remains a hallmark. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide big-hitting options, while Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma bring spin depth. In the lower order, Rinku Singh is seen as the designated finisher.
The bowling attack looks formidable. Jasprit Bumrah’s return to T20Is after his heroics in the World Cup final is a major boost. Alongside him are Arshdeep Singh and youngster Harshit Rana. Spin will be marshalled by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, the latter in blistering form with 33 wickets in 18 T20Is since his comeback.
The biggest talking point has been the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the main squad. Both enjoyed outstanding IPL 2025 seasons — Iyer with 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 for Punjab Kings, and Jaiswal with 559 runs for Rajasthan Royals. While Jaiswal finds a place in the reserves, Iyer misses out altogether despite leading PBKS to their first IPL final in over a decade.
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voiced his disappointment, calling selection “a thankless job.” On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: “Look at Shreyas Iyer’s credentials. He won the Champions Trophy for you, had his best IPL season, and took Punjab to the final. I am extremely sad for him and for Jaiswal, who is also in cracking form.”
Jaiswal, who was Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s backup at the last T20 World Cup, had been widely expected to feature in the XI. His omission from the core squad despite his strike rate of 164 in T20Is left fans and experts puzzled.
Balancing act for selectors
Agarkar explained that the final eleven would depend on conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With multiple in-form openers, India has “good options” and the think tank will decide combinations once the tournament begins. Axar Patel, who briefly served as vice-captain, was demoted to accommodate Gill’s rise.
India begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. Their last group match is against Oman on September 19. The Super 4 stage runs from September 20 to 26, with the final scheduled for September 28 in Dubai. Despite the controversies, the squad presents a blend of experience, youth, and versatility, reflecting India’s enviable bench strength. For those included, it is a chance to extend India’s winning run post-World Cup. For those excluded, it is another reminder of the fierce competition for places in Indian cricket.
