Defending champions India have unveiled a strong 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to be played in the United Arab Emirates, as they aim to clinch a record-extending ninth title. The team announcement by the BCCI on Tuesday has generated excitement, with the return of several big names and a well-balanced mix of youth and experience.
Suryakumar Yadav has been entrusted with the captaincy, while stylish opener Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain. The squad reflects the selectors’ confidence in consistent performers over the past year, while also welcoming back senior players who had either been rested or sidelined due to injuries.
The headline inclusion is the comeback of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who returns to the T20I setup after more than a year away. Bumrah last featured in limited-overs cricket during the 2024 T20 World Cup before being rested from white-ball formats and later missing the Champions Trophy because of injury concerns. His presence is expected to bolster India’s pace attack, which also features Arshdeep Singh and young quick Harshit Rana, giving the side both experience and fresh energy.
India’s batting order boasts an exciting blend of stability and explosiveness. Alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav, the in-form trio of Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh have retained their places after enjoying breakthrough performances in recent months. Shubman Gill’s return further strengthens the top order, ensuring India enters the tournament with formidable batting depth.
Behind the stumps, Sanju Samson has been chosen as the first-choice wicketkeeper. He is expected to continue his productive opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma, while Jitesh Sharma has been included as backup, providing additional options with both bat and gloves.
The all-round department is equally solid, with Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel bringing balance to the side. Both players have been pivotal in India’s recent ICC victories, while Shivam Dube’s inclusion adds another layer of batting firepower and bowling depth.
On the spin front, Kuldeep Yadav makes a return to India’s T20I squad after his last appearance in the 2024 World Cup final, while Varun Chakaravarthy retains his spot following impressive performances in the Champions Trophy in the UAE.
India’s Asia Cup campaign kicks off on September 10 against hosts UAE in Dubai, followed by the high-voltage clash against Pakistan on September 14. The group stage will wrap up with a match against Oman on September 19, before the Super Fours and the final in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
