Asia Cup 2025: Team India squad to be announced on August 19

  • Published - August 18, 2025 05:38:15
  • Updated - August 18, 2025 05:38:15
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The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, with matches taking place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. India, as the defending champions, will look to retain their title and finalize their T20I core ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is going to be a thrilling contest after a break of a month, and especially with India and Pakistan being drawn in the same group, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated clashes in the tournament.

Team India’s squad for the Asia Cup is expected to be announced on August 19, following a meeting of the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar. The final selection will be crucial as India seeks a perfect blend of experience and young talent, ensuring balance across all fields, be it batting, bowling, and the all-rounders department.  Additionally, fitness reports of the players, including Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and workload management of Jasprit Bumrah, are likely to impact the team balance.

Key players who are likely to feature:

India’s lineup is expected to revolve around Suryakumar Yadav, who will lead the side and anchor the middle order after recovering from Sports Hernia surgery. Shubman Gill is likely to make a T20I comeback, potentially reshaping how the old top order batting looks alongside Abhishek Sharma. Tilak Varma, coming off the England series, is expected to occupy the no. 4 spot, providing stability and efficiency to the middle order. Rinku Singh remains India’s premier finisher, while Jitesh Sharma, with his IPL form and wicketkeeping abilities, is likely to add depth to the squad. Sanju Samson, India’s prime opener, faces a dilemma, and his final position in the squad will depend on the selection dynamics following Gill’s inclusion.

Selection Dilemmas

Selectors face several tricky decisions before announcing the Indian squad, particularly regarding the middle order vice-captaincy and balancing in-form players with the experienced campaigners.  Shubman Gill’s inclusion may push out an existing opener or middle-order player, while the choice between finishers like Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube will be crucial.

Backup wicketkeeping duties could also influence the final composition. With the tournament just weeks away, the BCCI will need to finalise a team that not only contends for the Asia Cup but also sets the tone for India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.