The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the 15-member Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 T20I edition, which is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The announcement was made on August 19, 2025, and confirms that Suryakumar Yadav will lead the squad, while Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain.

This tournament marks India's return to T20 internationals for the first time since the England series held earlier this year in February. With the Bangladesh tour in August postponed to next year, the Asia Cup becomes the first major international T20 assignment for the Men in Blue after the 2025 IPL season.

India’s Schedule for Asia Cup 2025

• September 10 – vs UAE at Dubai International Cricket Stadium

• September 14 – vs Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium

• September 19 – vs Oman at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Squad Composition and Key Takeaways

The Asia Cup squad comprises a balanced blend of experienced international players and emerging IPL talents.

Surya Kumar Yadav, despite being on and off due to injuries in the past season, retains the trust of the selectors and has been named captain. His leadership in the absence of regulars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shows the team’s strategic transition towards youth-driven cricket.

Shubman Gill, who has been in excellent form across formats, earns the vice-captaincy, cementing his role as a future leader in Indian cricket. His elevation also signals the selectors’ faith in his maturity and consistency.

Interestingly, Shreyas Iyer has not been included in the squad, raising eyebrows, given his experience in the middle order. While no official reason has been cited, it’s believed that his inconsistent fitness and lukewarm performances in the IPL played a role in the decision.

Complete 15-man Indian Squad for Asia Cup 2025

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)

• Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)

• Abhishek Sharma

• Tilak Varma

• Hardik Pandya

• Shivam Dube

• Axar Patel

• Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper)

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Arshdeep Singh

• Varun Chakaravarthy

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)

• Harshit Rana

• Rinku Singh

Major Inclusions and Exclusions

Notable inclusions in the squad include Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh, both of whom have been standout performers in the 2025 IPL. Harshit Rana, a promising young pacer from Delhi, also makes his debut call-up following a consistent domestic and IPL season.

The bowling unit has a balanced mix of pace and spin. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will spearhead the pace attack, supported by newcomer Harshit Rana. The spin department features the experienced Kuldeep Yadav, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, and all-rounder Axar Patel.

The wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, both of whom have proven themselves with explosive batting and sharp glovework.

All-rounders such as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube are expected to play vital roles in both batting and bowling, offering crucial depth to the squad.

No Rohit, Kohli or Rahul in Squad

As anticipated, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul have not been considered for this tournament, continuing the BCCI’s focus on grooming the next generation of T20 players. This marks a significant shift in the team's white-ball strategy, aiming to build a new core ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Strategic Outlook

With the Asia Cup serving as a precursor to the T20 World Cup 2026, India seems to be adopting an aggressive, youthful approach. This selection suggests an emphasis on power-hitting, agile fielding, and flexible bowling options.

The decision to entrust leadership to Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill reflects the selectors’ belief in a dynamic and fearless brand of cricket. This is especially important as India eyes a strong run in both the Asia Cup and the World Cup preparations.

Asia Cup Format and Stakes

The 2025 Asia Cup follows a T20 format, featuring six teams divided into two groups. India is in Group A, alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four, and the top two from there will compete in the final.

India's first game against UAE on September 10 will be a confidence booster, but all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan just four days later.

Conclusion

The announcement of India’s 15-man squad for Asia Cup 2025 confirms the BCCI’s intent to usher in a new generation of T20 players, banking on IPL form and future-ready talent. With a clear roadmap to the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Asia Cup will serve as a vital platform to test the team's composition, strategy, and bench strength.

With leaders like Surya Kumar Yadav and Shubman Gill at the helm, and exciting young talent across departments, Indian fans can look forward to a fresh and fearless brand of T20 cricket starting September 10 in Dubai.

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