Asia Cup 2025 India Squad: The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally unveiled the 15-member squad for the tournament. Scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, this T20-format event is a crucial stepping stone for the 2026 T20 World Cup. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the charge and a blend of youth and experience, India’s squad looks poised to defend their title. Let’s dive into the details of the squad, key players, and what fans can expect from this exciting lineup.
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Suryakumar Yadav to Lead, Shubman Gill as Vice-Captain
The BCCI announced the squad on August 19, 2025, in Mumbai, with Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as captain. His explosive batting and calm leadership make him the perfect fit to guide this dynamic team. Shubman Gill, who hasn’t played a T20I since July 2024, returns as vice-captain, a bold move by the selectors. Gill’s recent form in Tests and IPL 2025 (scoring over 600 runs) has earned him this leadership role, signaling his importance in India’s T20 future.
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav – Known for his 360-degree batting and cool-headed decision-making.
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill – A top-order batter with a knack for anchoring and accelerating.
- Leadership Focus: Balancing aggressive T20 cricket with strategic squad management.
Key Inclusions and Surprising Omissions
The squad is a mix of T20 regulars and some notable comebacks, but it also raised eyebrows with a few exclusions. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, is back after being rested for much of 2024, boosting the bowling attack. However, the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer has sparked debates. Jaiswal, despite his stellar 723 runs in 23 T20Is, was left out to focus on Test cricket, while Iyer’s exclusion, despite a stellar IPL 2025, was a tough call due to the packed batting lineup.
- Notable Inclusions:
- Jasprit Bumrah: Returns to lead the pace attack after workload management.
- Shubman Gill: Back in the T20I fold, expected to open or bat at No. 3.
- Jitesh Sharma: Edges out Dhruv Jurel as the backup wicketkeeper.
- Key Omissions:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Asked to prioritize red-ball cricket.
- Shreyas Iyer: Missed out despite 604 runs in IPL 2025.
- Mohammed Siraj: Surprisingly overlooked despite recent heroics.
Batting Firepower: A Blend of Youth and Experience
India’s batting unit looks formidable, with a mix of aggressive openers and reliable middle-order players. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are set to open, bringing firepower to the top. Samson’s recent T20I form, including three centuries in 2024, makes him a lock as the primary wicketkeeper. Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh add depth, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide the big-hitting all-round options. This lineup is designed to tackle the slow, low UAE pitches while maintaining a high strike rate.
- Top Order: Samson and Abhishek to set the tone with aggressive starts.
- Middle Order: Suryakumar and Tilak offer stability and flair.
- Finishers: Hardik, Rinku, and Dube bring explosive power in the death overs.
Bowling Attack: Pace and Spin to Dominate
India’s bowling unit is a major strength, led by Jasprit Bumrah, whose return is a game-changer. Arshdeep Singh, a death-over specialist, and Harshit Rana, who impressed on debut against England, complete the pace trio. The spin department is equally potent, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy expected to exploit UAE conditions. Axar Patel’s left-arm spin and batting prowess add balance, making this attack versatile and dangerous.
- Pace Attack: Bumrah, Arshdeep, and Rana to lead with pace and precision.
- Spin Options: Kuldeep and Varun to trouble batters on turning tracks.
- All-Rounders: Axar and Hardik provide flexibility in bowling and batting.
India’s Road Ahead in Asia Cup 2025
India, placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, kick off their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai. The high-stakes clash against Pakistan on September 14 is already generating buzz, with fans eagerly awaiting the rivalry. The tournament’s structure, with a group stage followed by Super Four and a final on September 28, offers India a chance to test combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup. With a squad this balanced, the Men in Blue are favorites to retain their title, but the pressure of expectations will be immense.
As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, India’s squad blends youth, experience, and versatility. Suryakumar’s leadership, Gill’s return, and Bumrah’s comeback make this team a force to reckon with. While omissions like Jaiswal and Iyer have sparked debates, the selected 15 are ready to take on Asia’s best. Fans, get ready for a thrilling ride as India aims to dominate in the UAE!