India’s Test captain Shubman Gill could take on a leadership role in the T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with the final team expected to be announced on August 19 or 20. The selection will hinge on medical updates from the CoE’s Sports Science team, particularly on skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who has resumed batting at the NCA.
Jasprit Bumrah is set to return for the Asia Cup, though he may be rested for the opening West Indies Test in October. Gill’s stellar form — 754 runs against England in Tests and a strong IPL season — puts him in the mix for vice-captaincy. However, Axar Patel was deputy in the last home T20I series, creating a form-versus-continuity dilemma for selectors.
The top order of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya looks settled, leaving little room for Yashasvi Jaiswal or Sai Sudharsan. Samson is almost certain as first-choice wicketkeeper, with Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel competing for the second slot.
Shivam Dube is likely to replace the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy as Hardik’s all-rounder backup. In pace, Bumrah will lead with Arshdeep Singh, while Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna vie for the third seamer spot. The spin unit should feature Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and either Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy.
Likely India Asia Cup Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel.
India open their campaign against UAE on September 10, followed by the marquee clash with Pakistan on September 14.
