India’s T20 Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Introduction: Asia’s Cricketing Festival Returns

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to light up the United Arab Emirates between September 9 and 28, and Team India’s squad announcement has already triggered fireworks—both on the field and off it. The Asia Cup has always been more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a mini-World Cup for the subcontinent, where rivalries like India vs Pakistan become global spectacles, and rising stars grab their first taste of high-pressure cricket.

This year, India enters as the reigning T20 World Cup champions, carrying both legacy and expectation. The squad revealed on August 19, 2025, reflects a balance of experience, youth, and some bold calls from selectors. But as with every Indian team announcement, controversies followed—fans, ex-cricketers, and analysts have all had their say.

So, what makes this squad special? Why are some names missing? And how does this shape India’s path to both the Asia Cup 2025 and the bigger goal—the 2026 T20 World Cup? Let’s dive into a full, detailed breakdown.

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Suryakumar Yadav and Ajith Agarkar

The Final 15: India’s Asia Cup T20 Squad

The 15-member squad announced by the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has a bit of everything—firepower, spin depth, all-round balance, and most importantly, leadership clarity.

Full Squad List

  • Captain: Suryakumar Yadav

  • Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill

Batters & All-rounders:

  • Abhishek Sharma

  • Tilak Varma

  • Rinku Singh

  • Hardik Pandya

  • Shivam Dube

  • Axar Patel

Wicketkeepers:

  • Sanju Samson

  • Jitesh Sharma

Bowlers:

  • Jasprit Bumrah

  • Arshdeep Singh

  • Harshit Rana

  • Kuldeep Yadav

  • Varun Chakravarthy

Standby Players (Reserves)

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad

  • Ravi Bishnoi

  • Washington Sundar

  • Avesh Khan

On paper, this squad looks like a finely mixed cocktail. But the real drama is hidden in who returned, who missed out, and who suddenly found themselves in the leadership group.

Captain SKY: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Suryakumar Yadav, fondly known as SKY, continues as India’s T20 captain. His batting numbers in the format are nothing short of jaw-dropping—an innovator, a risk-taker, and a pure entertainer. SKY has turned 360° into a brand, and now he has the added responsibility of grooming a fresh T20 core.

Under him, India lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup, but the Asia Cup presents a different challenge—shorter margins for error, tricky UAE pitches, and the pressure of a continental title. His captaincy is not just about leading from the front but about managing big personalities like Hardik Pandya, reintegrating stars like Gill and Bumrah, and blending IPL youngsters into the mix.

Shubman Gill: The Vice-Captaincy Twist

Perhaps the biggest talking point from the squad announcement is Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain. Just months ago, Gill was primarily focused on Test cricket and was even captaining India’s red-ball side. His T20 credentials were being questioned after inconsistent IPL returns.

But selectors see Gill as part of India’s long-term leadership blueprint. Giving him the vice-captaincy is a signal: he’s not just another batter in the squad, he’s being groomed as the next full-time white-ball captain post-SKY.

Gill’s role in this Asia Cup will be fascinating. Will he open with Abhishek Sharma? Will he bat at No.3 as an anchor? His strike rate in T20Is has been debated, but if he clicks, he brings a calming balance to an otherwise high-risk batting order.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Spearhead Returns

If Gill’s leadership was a shock, Bumrah’s return was pure relief for fans. After being rested post the 2024 World Cup, there were concerns about his workload. But now, the smiling assassin is back to lead India’s pace attack in conditions tailor-made for his yorkers and slower deliveries.

Bumrah’s return also means India’s death bowling problem gets a fix. With him, Arshdeep Singh (left-arm variety) and Harshit Rana (young pace) form a diverse pace unit. Bumrah’s ability to deliver under pressure makes him the most important cog in India’s bowling machine.

Spin Trio: Kuldeep, Varun & Axar

The UAE pitches have historically been spin-friendly, and India has stacked up options.

  • Kuldeep Yadav brings mystery wrist-spin and has been in sublime form.

  • Varun Chakravarthy is the wildcard—a bowler who can strangle batters in middle overs.

  • Axar Patel provides left-arm orthodox spin and also lengthens India’s batting.

This combination means India can adapt to different opponents—be it Pakistan’s aggressive middle order or Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy approach.

The All-Round Arsenal

India’s selectors clearly want batting depth till No.8, and the squad reflects that:

  • Hardik Pandya is back as the premium seam-bowling all-rounder. His finishing power and leadership backup remain invaluable.

  • Shivam Dube, a left-handed power-hitter who murders spin, gives balance against turning tracks.

  • Abhishek Sharma provides explosive starts and can chip in with spin.

  • Tilak Varma is calm under pressure, offering a left-handed option in the middle.

And then comes the fan-favourite—Rinku Singh. If SKY is the artist, Rinku is the street-fighter. His IPL heroics of chasing impossible totals make him India’s ultimate Plan B in pressure chases.

Wicketkeepers: Samson & Jitesh

India continues its two-keeper policy.

  • Sanju Samson, after years of wait, now holds the trust of selectors. His ability to open or bat at No.4 makes him flexible.

  • Jitesh Sharma is the aggressive finisher—think of him as India’s version of Nicholas Pooran.

Both provide insurance if one struggles, and their IPL experience in pressure situations will be vital.

The Absentees: Jaiswal & Iyer Saga

Every Indian squad story is incomplete without heartbreaks.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

The young southpaw, hailed as India’s next Sehwag, finds himself only in the reserves. His strike rate and attacking ability were never in doubt, but selectors prioritized Gill’s leadership and Abhishek’s all-round ability.

Shreyas Iyer

Perhaps the biggest snub. Once considered India’s No.4 savior, Iyer didn’t even make the standby list. Analysts like K. Srikkanth openly blasted the decision, suggesting politics may have played a role. Even former cricketers hinted that coach Gautam Gambhir’s influence shaped the choices.

This controversy has already given fans their “selection drama” for the Asia Cup.

Expert Opinions & Backlash

  • K. Srikkanth: “We might win Asia Cup with this team, but forget T20 World Cup.”

  • Abhishek Nayar: Suggested favoritism in selections, hinting at bias towards Gambhir’s preferences.

  • Pakistani experts: Claimed players like Iyer and Siraj would’ve walked into any other squad.

But selectors defended themselves: Ajit Agarkar argued that squad balance, leadership grooming, and workload management were key reasons behind omissions.

India’s Group & Fixtures

India has been slotted in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.

  • India vs UAE – Sep 10, Dubai

  • India vs Pakistan – Sep 14, Dubai

  • India vs Oman – Sep 19, Abu Dhabi

The top two will move to the Super Four, with the final on Sep 28 in Dubai.

Clearly, the India-Pakistan clash is the highlight, expected to draw record crowds and global attention.

Strategic Outlook

This Asia Cup is more than just about the trophy. It’s about testing combinations before the 2026 T20 World Cup.

  • Grooming Gill as future leader.

  • Reinforcing SKY’s captaincy credibility.

  • Managing Bumrah & Hardik’s workload.

  • Testing Rinku, Dube, Abhishek, and Jitesh in high-pressure Asia Cup games.

If India nails this balance, they don’t just aim to win Asia Cup—they set the stage for back-to-back ICC dominance.

Conclusion: India’s Roadmap Begins Now

The Asia Cup 2025 squad is bold, balanced, and controversial—exactly what Indian cricket always is. SKY’s leadership, Gill’s rise, Bumrah’s return, and the mix of fearless IPL youngsters make this a squad to watch.

But make no mistake—the absences of Iyer and Jaiswal will remain the talking point until India either wins big or collapses under pressure.

For fans, the Asia Cup isn’t just another tournament. It’s a curtain-raiser for the next phase of Indian T20 dominance. And this squad is the first draft of that script.

1. Introduction: 

Setting the Stage for Asia Cup 2025

Asia’s premier T20 cricket extravaganza, the Asia Cup 2025, kicks off in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, with matches hosted across Dubai and Abu Dhabi WikipediaIndiatimes. As India, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, take the field, expectations are sky-high—both to defend their Asia Cup legacy and lay foundations for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup IndiatimesSportskeedaIndia Today.

Here’s everything you need to know about the India T20 squad, player dynamics, controversies, and strategy.

2. The Squad Lineup: Who Made the Cut?

India’s 15-member squad for Asia Cup 2025 was announced on August 19, 2025, during a press event led by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar ReutersIndia TodaymintIndiaThe Economic Times.

Here’s the full breakdown (with two keepers):

Batters / All-Rounders:

  • Abhishek Sharma (left-hander, can bowl)

  • Tilak Varma (left-hander, off-break)

  • Hardik Pandya (right-hand wonder-all-rounder)

  • Shivam Dube (left-hander, medium-fast)

  • Axar Patel (left-hander, slow left-arm orthodox)

  • Sanju Samson † (wicketkeeper-batter)

  • Jitesh Sharma † (wicketkeeper-batter)

  • Rinku Singh (left-hander, off-break; middle order)

Bowlers:

  • Jasprit Bumrah (pace spearhead)

  • Arshdeep Singh (left-arm medium fast)

  • Varun Chakravarthy (leg-spin/gaffer)

  • Kuldeep Yadav (left-arm wrist spinner)

  • Harshit Rana (fast bowler)

Full squad list as per ESPNcricinfo ESPN Cricinfo and coverage summaries mintIndia Today.

3. Big Returns and Strategic Picks

Shubman Gill’s Return as Vice-Captain

Gill's comeback to T20I as vice-captain is significant. He’s been busy with red-ball cricket, especially leading India in Tests, and wasn’t seen in T20s since mid-2024 ReutersIndia Todaymint. Captain SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) emphasized this tournament as a strategic restart: “First big tournament after last year’s T20 WC… journey starts from here” The Financial ExpressIndia Today.

Jasprit Bumrah Returns

After being rested from white-ball formats post-T20 World Cup 2024, Bumrah is back to lead the pace attack—bringing experience, lethal yorkers, and control iccReutersIndia Today.

Spin Options: Kuldeep & Varun

Kuldeep Yadav, previously impactful in Asia Cup conditions, adds wrist-spin firepower. Varun Chakravarthy offers leg-spin versatility—crucial in UAE. Axar boosts left-arm orthodox depth The Times of IndiaESPN CricinfoIndia Today.

All-Round Firepower

Hardik, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma bring both batting and bowling, providing balance and bench strength across phases. Rinku Singh adds middle-order resilience with batting flair and off-spin skills The Times of India+1ESPN CricinfoIndia Today.

4. Notable Absentees & Controversies

Shreyas Iyer & Yashasvi Jaiswal Miss Out

Two standout IPL performers were absent: Iyer not even named standby, and Jaiswal named as one of the five reserves The Times of India+1ReutersmintIndia Today.

Expert Backlash

  • K. Srikkanth criticized the inclusion of players like Rinku, Dube, Harshit Rana: “We might win the Asia Cup with this team, but there is no chance of winning the T20 World Cup with this bunch.” NDTV Sports

  • Abhishek Nayar hinted at favoritism toward players linked with coach Gautam Gambhir, calling selections of some questionable despite IPL form, and speculating Iyer’s exclusion was unfair Indiatimes.

  • Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali also voiced disappointment at the omissions The Times of India.

Selectors’ Rationale

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the choices: with Gill, Abhishek, Samson in opener spots, someone had to miss out—Yashasvi was unlucky. Also, Gill’s leadership role, fitness of Bumrah, and team balance influenced selections ReutersIndia TodayThe Financial Express.

5. Strategic Depth & Squad Balance

India’s Asia Cup squad shows clear planning:

  • Leadership: SKY is skipper; Gill given deputycy, aiming to groom multi-format leadership core.

  • Opening Depth: Gill, Abhishek, and Samson offer explosive starts.

  • Middle-Order All-Rounders: SKY, Hardik, Axar, Dube, Tilak—offer flexibility and depth.

  • Wicketkeeper Options: Samson and Jitesh—top-order reinforcement plus safe hands.

  • Pace Variety: Bumrah, Arshdeep, Harshit Rana—be it middle-overs containment or early breakthroughs.

  • Spin Wealth: Kuldeep, Varun, Axar—spin attack tailor-made for UAE surfaces.

  • Rinku as Wild Card: X-factor, impressive strike rate, fielding asset The Times of IndiaESPN Cricinfo.

6. What’s Next? Preview of India’s Asia Cup Journey

India begins their campaign:

  • Against UAE on 10 September in Dubai

  • Then Pakistan on 14 September—a marquee clash

  • Following that, Oman on 19 September in Abu Dhabi IndiatimesIndia TodayReuters.

The top two teams from India’s group will move to the Super Four stage, with the final set for 28 September in Dubai Indiatimes.

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