India announces 15-member squad for Asia Cup 2025

The BCCI has announced a 15-member India squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain, while Test skipper Shubman Gill returns to the T20 fold as vice-captain. The inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah marks a welcome return to the shorter format after concerns regarding his workload during the England tour. The squad is packed with both experience and rising talent, signaling India’s focus on balance and form ahead of the tournament.

One of the big talking points of the selection was the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. While both have shown promise in domestic and IPL cricket, the selectors opted for consistency, especially in the top-order, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson holding onto their places. Ajit Agarkar noted that these would have been difficult calls but emphasized that the selections reflect current performance and team requirements.

India’s squad brings together a dynamic front-line: power hitters like Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh complementing the explosive Abhishek and Sanju at the top. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube offer flexibility in the middle, while Axar also adds a spin option. On the spin front, the wrist warriors Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy provide variety, and India’s famous death-over maestro Jasprit Bumrah leads a potent pace battery, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

This Asia Cup serves as a vital stepping stone towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026. The team’s composition reflects a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talents, designed to gel quickly and deliver under pressure. Leadership under Suryakumar Yadav, backed by a reintegrated Shubman Gill, offers a fresh strategic outlook and strong T20 know-how just when it matters most.

India’s squad

Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh