India asia cup squad 2025 match list: Cricket fever is back, and the Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster! Scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, this T20 tournament is a crucial stepping stone for India as they gear up for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a dynamic 15-member squad led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Fans are buzzing with excitement, especially for the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash. Let’s dive into the squad details, match schedule, and what makes this tournament a must-watch!
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India’s Power-Packed Squad for 2025
The BCCI revealed India’s squad on August 19, 2025, blending experience with explosive young talent. Suryakumar Yadav, fresh from hernia surgery, will captain the side, bringing his aggressive batting to the fore. Shubman Gill’s inclusion as vice-captain has sparked debates, especially since he’s been more prominent in Tests and ODIs lately. Notably, big names like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer didn’t make the cut, with selectors favoring form and versatility.
Here’s the full squad:
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Harshit Rana
- Rinku Singh
The absence of Jaiswal and Iyer has raised eyebrows, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar citing Abhishek Sharma’s all-round skills as a deciding factor. Jasprit Bumrah’s return is a massive boost, but his workload will be closely monitored given the tight schedule.
Asia Cup 2025: Tournament Structure
The Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams divided into two groups. India is in Group A with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The tournament follows a round-robin format in the group stage, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four. From there, the top two Super Four teams will battle it out in the final on September 28 in Dubai.
Key tournament highlights:
- Format: T20 International
- Venues: Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Total Matches: 19, including 11 in Dubai and 8 in Abu Dhabi
- India’s Goal: Defend their title and build momentum for the 2026 T20 World Cup
This structure ensures intense competition, with net run rate playing a big role in determining Super Four qualifiers.
India’s Match Schedule: Mark Your Calendars!
India’s campaign kicks off on September 10, and the schedule is packed with exciting matchups. The India-Pakistan clash on September 14 is the one everyone’s waiting for, promising a nail-biting spectacle. Here’s India’s group stage schedule (all times in IST):
- September 10: India vs UAE, Dubai, 6:00 PM
- September 14: India vs Pakistan, Dubai, 6:00 PM
- September 19: India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi, 7:30 PM
If India tops Group A, they’ll play all Super Four matches in Dubai. If they finish second, they’ll have one match in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai from September 20 to 26. The final, set for September 28 in Dubai, is where India hopes to lift their ninth Asia Cup trophy.
Key Players to Watch
India’s squad is a mix of firepower and finesse. Suryakumar Yadav, ranked sixth among T20I batters, will be the batting linchpin with his 360-degree strokeplay. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 535 runs at a strike rate of 193.84 in recent T20Is make him a dangerous opener. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack, while Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could trouble opponents on UAE’s slow pitches.
Players to keep an eye on:
- Hardik Pandya: His all-round prowess adds balance, with 320 runs and 13 sixes in recent T20s.
- Sanju Samson: The primary wicketkeeper, his 487 runs at 171.47 strike rate scream big-match potential.
- Tilak Varma: With 413 runs at 170.66, he’s a middle-order dynamo.
Why This Asia Cup Matters
The 2025 Asia Cup isn’t just about continental glory; it’s a dress rehearsal for the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With only 15 T20Is left before the mega event, this tournament is critical for finalizing India’s core squad. The UAE’s spin-friendly pitches will test India’s adaptability, especially against strong sides like Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Plus, the emotional weight of the India-Pakistan rivalry, amplified by recent tensions, adds extra spice.
Despite calls from former players like Harbhajan Singh and Kedar Jadhav to boycott the Pakistan match due to geopolitical issues, the BCCI has confirmed India’s participation, sticking to the neutral-venue agreement. This ensures fans get to witness one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
As India aims to maintain their dominance—they’ve won the Asia Cup eight times—their blend of youth and experience makes them favorites. Stay tuned for a thrilling month of cricket!