With the Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, several teams have announced their squad for the marquee continental event. Apart from the main squad, the standby players also play a crucial role when it comes to such a high-intensity tournament.
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This article explains the role of these standby players and the rules for player replacement during the competition.
Who are the standby players?
The standby players are the additional members of the squad, apart from the official 15-member squad, who fill in as injury replacements. The standby players do not travel with the side, but provide immediate cover in case of injuries or other forms of withdrawals by any player from the main squad.
These players cannot be a part of the playing XI unless they are officially added to the main squad. They, however, can train with the team and help provide the side with the required support in the multi-national tournaments.
India's standby players for the Asia Cup 2025
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dhruv Jurel
- Riyan Parag
- Washington Sundar
- Prasidh Krishna
Teams usually opt for 3-5 standby players that may or may not travel with the side, depending on their requirements.
READ: Who will open for India in Asia Cup 2025?
Rules for injuries and replacements in the Asia Cup 2025
A team can ask for a replacement in case of injuries to any player from the main squad. The medical team assesses the injured player and needs to submit a medical report to the ACC technical committee.
The technical committee further evaluates the report and allows the inclusion of the standby player. Teams are expected to ask for like-for-like replacements, preventing any unfair advantage. A player once replaced cannot be brought back to the squad during the tournament.
READ: Asia Cup 2025: Format, teams and groups explained
Standby players can often play a crucial role. In case of injuries, such like-for-like replacements allow teams to regain their balance and can play an important role in a team's success.