India are all set to defend their title in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the UAE. The tournament will be played in the T20 format, with matches hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi under the BCCI–PCB hybrid model. India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.
Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain
India’s new Test skipper Shubman Gill makes a big return to T20Is after more than a year and has been named vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. He last played a T20I in July 2024 and is expected to open the innings in India’s first match against UAE on September 10.
Gill’s current T20I record:
- Matches: 21
- Runs: 578
- Average: 30.42
- Strike Rate: 139.27
- 100s/50s: 1/3
Middle Order Boost: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh In
The selectors have gone with an aggressive and youthful batting lineup. Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh bring power and form to the middle order, with strong IPL and domestic performances backing their selection.
No Room for Iyer, KL Rahul, or Pant
Despite speculation, Shreyas Iyer has not made the final squad. Similarly:
- KL Rahul remains out, having missed T20Is since 2022.
- Rishabh Pant is ruled out due to a toe fracture.
- Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma will share wicketkeeping duties.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (knee injury) has not recovered in time.
Bumrah In, But Workload Watch Remains
Contrary to earlier doubts, Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the squad, signaling that he may feature in key matches. Alongside him, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana form the core of India’s pace attack.
RCB Contingent Smaller Than Expected
While four RCB players were in contention, only Jitesh Sharma has made the cut from the 2025 IPL champions. Notably, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, and Yash Dayal are absent from the final squad.
Read more: Suryakumar Yadav Captaincy Record
Final India Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Axar Patel
- Shivam Dube
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir
Like to know? India vs Pakistan Asia cup 2025 Schedule
India’s Group Stage Fixtures
- 10 Sep – India vs UAE – Dubai International Stadium
- 14 Sep – India vs Pakistan – Dubai International Stadium
- 19 Sep – India vs Oman – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tournament Format
- 8 teams, 2 groups
- Top 2 teams from each group qualify for the Super Fours
- Final on September 28 in Dubai
- All matches in T20I format – ideal prep for T20 World Cup 2026
With the likes of Gill, Bumrah, Samson, and Suryakumar leading a blend of youth and experience, India’s squad looks strong heading into the Asia Cup 2025. Fans now eagerly await the clash against Pakistan on September 14 — a contest that could shape India’s journey toward another title.
