India has officially announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The announcement comes just weeks before the tournament, with Suryakumar Yadav appointed as the captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. The squad features a blend of experienced players and young talent, aimed at defending India’s title in the prestigious competition.
India’s Squad for the Asia Cup 2025
The 15-member squad includes a solid mix of players across all departments:
- Batsmen: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
- Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana
Additionally, there are five standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel.
Key Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Shubman Gill remains in top form, continuing his strong run in international cricket. His inclusion as vice-captain brings valuable experience to the squad.
- Rohit Sharma, who has been in excellent form, is another strong addition to the squad, bringing leadership skills and match-winning experience.
- Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana, both impressive performers in domestic cricket, have earned a place, providing fresh energy to the team.
Exclusions:
- Shreyas Iyer, despite having a stellar IPL season, has been left out due to squad composition decisions.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rising star, is placed on the standby list despite his great performances in the IPL.
- Rishabh Pant, who has been struggling with injuries, is also excluded from the squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
Team Strategy for the Asia Cup
The team selectors have carefully balanced youth and experience, with a heavy emphasis on versatile all-rounders and a strong bowling attack. The selection of players like Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana signals a move to inject new energy into the team, while the absence of seasoned players like Shreyas Iyer shows a focus on current form and the team’s overall balance.
What’s Next for India?
As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, the squad is poised to perform at the highest level. The tournament serves as a critical preparation for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. Fans and experts are excited to see how this squad performs, and the Asia Cup could be the perfect opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment.
