India are all set to defend their title in the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 to 28 in the UAE. The tournament will be played in T20 format, with matches scheduled 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 is making a big return to T20Is after more than a year. He has been named vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel in the role. Gill 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
Read more: Shubman Gill Captaincy Record
Shreyas Iyer Back in the Mix
Middle-order specialist Shreyas Iyer also returns to the T20I squad. The selectors value his stability and experience, especially in crunch matches like the India vs Pakistan clash on September 14.
Key Players Likely to Miss Out
Several big names may not feature in this Asia Cup:
- KL Rahul – Out of T20Is since 2022; unlikely to return.
- Rishabh Pant – Toe fracture rules him out; Sanju Samson will keep wickets.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – Knee injury.
- Jasprit Bumrah – May be rested for workload management ahead of the West Indies Tests. If he sits out, Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack.
RCB Influence
Four players from IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are in contention:
- Rajat Patidar (Captain, RCB) – Aggressive top-order batter.
- Jitesh Sharma – Wicketkeeper-batter.
- Krunal Pandya – All-rounder; in a fight with Washington Sundar for a spot.
- Yash Dayal – Left-arm pacer (selection uncertain due to off-field issues).
India’s Probable Squad for Asia Cup 2025
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) | Batter |
| Shubman Gill (VC) | Batter |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter |
| Tilak Varma | Batter |
| Rinku Singh | Batter |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batter |
| Rajat Patidar | Batter |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| Krunal Pandya / Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| Sanju Samson (WK) | Wicketkeeper |
| Jitesh Sharma (WK) | Wicketkeeper |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Spinner |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| Arshdeep Singh | Pacer |
| Harshit Rana | Pacer |
| Prasidh Krishna | Pacer |
(Final squad to be confirmed by BCCI soon)
India’s Group Stage Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 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 in two groups.
- Top two from each group enter the Super Fours.
- Final on September 28 in Dubai.
- All matches: T20I format – perfect preparation for T20 World Cup 2026.
Like to know? India vs Pakistan Asia cup 2025 Schedule
With big names like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer set to make a comeback and senior players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah possibly missing out, the Asia Cup 2025 could be a mix of experience and fresh talent for India. Fans will be eagerly waiting for the official BCCI squad announcement to see which names make the cut for this high-stakes tournament.
