The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to commence on September 9 in the UAE. Headlined by the return of Shubman Gill as vice-captain and the comeback of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, the squad blends youth, experience, and versatility. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I team is gearing up for a critical tournament ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. This article delves into the squad selection, key players, tactical considerations, and what lies ahead for India in the Asia Cup 2025.
Shubman Gill’s Resurgence and Leadership Role
A Stellar Return to T20Is
Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the T20I squad marks a significant moment in his career. The 25-year-old last played a T20I in July 2024, and his return comes on the back of exceptional performances across formats. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Gill smashed 650 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 155.88, steering the Gujarat Titans to the playoffs. His ability to anchor innings while maintaining a high scoring rate has made him a valuable asset in the shortest format.
Vice-Captaincy: A Step Toward All-Format Leadership
Gill’s appointment as vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel, signals the selectors’ confidence in his leadership potential. His recent stint as India’s Test captain, where he led the team to a 2-2 draw in England while amassing 754 runs at an average of 75.40, showcased his maturity and tactical acumen. Suryakumar Yadav, the team captain, highlighted Gill’s prior experience as vice-captain during India’s tour of Sri Lanka post the 2024 T20 World Cup. “He was the vice-captain when I was leading in Sri Lanka. We’re happy to have him back,” Suryakumar said, emphasizing the continuity in leadership planning.
However, Gill’s spot in the playing XI is not guaranteed. The opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson has been a revelation since the 2024 T20 World Cup, posing a selection dilemma for the team management. Gill’s versatility to bat in the top order or middle order could be key to securing his place.
Suryakumar Yadav: The Captain’s Vision
Leading from the Front
Suryakumar Yadav, known for his explosive batting and innovative shot-making, continues to lead India’s T20I side. His captaincy has been marked by a proactive approach, both on and off the field. With 22 games to go before the 2026 T20 World Cup, Suryakumar’s leadership will be crucial in shaping a cohesive unit. His ability to manage a talented squad, balance aggressive batting, and make astute bowling changes will be under scrutiny in the Asia Cup.
A Balanced Batting Line-Up
India’s batting unit is packed with firepower. Alongside Suryakumar and Gill, the squad features Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, and Rinku Singh. This line-up offers a mix of aggressive openers, dynamic middle-order batters, and finishers capable of turning games in the final overs. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson’s opening partnership has been a standout, with their contrasting styles complementing each other. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh’s reputation as a finisher and Hardik Pandya’s all-round prowess add depth to the batting order.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Return: A Boost to the Bowling Attack
The Pace Spearhead
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to T20Is after missing the format since the 2024 T20 World Cup final is a massive boost for India. Widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, Bumrah’s ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and sharp bouncers makes him a game-changer. His leadership in the pace department will be critical, especially on the UAE pitches, which often favor bowlers who can vary their pace and lengths.
A Formidable Pace Unit
Bumrah will be supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, both of whom bring unique strengths to the table. Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver under pressure in the death overs has made him a reliable partner for Bumrah. Harshit Rana, a rising star, adds raw pace and bounce, making him a potential X-factor in the squad. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide additional seam-bowling options, ensuring flexibility in the bowling attack.
Spin Trio: Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar
A Versatile Spin Attack
India’s spin bowling unit is equally potent, featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel. Kuldeep’s wrist-spin has been a wicket-taking weapon in T20Is, while Varun’s mystery spin adds an element of unpredictability. Axar Patel, who relinquished the vice-captaincy to Gill, remains a vital cog with his economical left-arm spin and handy lower-order batting. This trio provides Suryakumar with multiple options to exploit spin-friendly conditions in the UAE.
Tactical Flexibility
The combination of pace and spin gives India a well-rounded bowling attack. The selectors’ decision to include three spinners suggests an expectation of slow, turning pitches in the UAE. Axar’s ability to bowl in the powerplay, Kuldeep’s middle-over dominance, and Varun’s knack for breaking partnerships ensure that India can adapt to various match situations.
Notable Omissions and Standby Players
Surprising Exclusions
The absence of Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj from the squad raised eyebrows. Iyer, despite being in form, missed out due to the depth in India’s batting line-up. Siraj’s exclusion, meanwhile, could be attributed to the selectors’ preference for Harshit Rana’s raw pace and Arshdeep’s consistency. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that no players were left out due to injuries, emphasizing that the squad was picked based on form and strategic fit. “Everyone is available, fit, and is there,” Agarkar stated.
Standby Options
The standby list includes Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal’s omission from the main squad is particularly surprising, given his explosive batting in T20Is. However, his inclusion as a standby suggests that the selectors are keeping him in the loop for future opportunities. Washington Sundar’s all-round skills and Riyan Parag’s versatility make them strong contenders for a call-up if injuries or form issues arise.
India’s Group and Tournament Prospects
Group A Challenges
India have been drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. Their campaign begins against the UAE on September 10, a match they are expected to dominate. The high-stakes clash against Pakistan will be the highlight of the group stage, with both teams vying for supremacy in a rivalry that never fails to captivate fans. Oman, while less experienced, could pose a challenge on their day, especially on home-like conditions in the UAE.
Path to the Title
India’s squad composition suggests a team built for versatility and adaptability. The batting depth, combined with a potent bowling attack, makes them strong contenders for the title. However, Group B, featuring Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong, also has formidable teams, with Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack and Sri Lanka’s experienced core posing potential threats in the knockout stages.
Tactical Considerations and World Cup Preparation
Building for the 2026 T20 World Cup
With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the Asia Cup serves as a critical platform for India to fine-tune their combinations. The selectors have prioritized players who can adapt to different roles, ensuring flexibility in batting and bowling. Ajit Agarkar’s comment about having “18-20 serious options” reflects the depth in Indian cricket, with the Asia Cup being a testing ground for emerging stars like Harshit Rana and Tilak Varma.
