The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 is underway with India's squad set to be finalized in Mumbai on Tuesday. The tournament will runs from September 9-28.
It will be played in the T20I format - making team balance and role-specific selections crucial. Despite some standout performances in recent months, reports suggest a few high-profile names could be left out.
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Shubman Gill faces tough competition for opener's role
According to a report by Cricbuzz, Shubman Gill, who dominated the England Test series with over 750 runs, may not find a place in the Asia Cup squad. The reason is straightforward: his form came in the longer format while the selectors are focused on a short-format line-up.
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Gill also scored more than 650 runs as an opener in IPL 2025, but with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson expected to retain their spots, his inclusion looks uncertain. Yashasvi Jaiswal is seen as the frontrunner for the reserve opener slot.
This leaves Gill reliant on backing from head coach Gautam Gambhir if he needs to make the cut. Another Indian Express report supported the claim that Gill's chances are slim.
"If Gill is included then he will straight away bat at the top and if he doesn’t get a game then there is no point in having him. At the same time it will be unfair on Sanju, who did well in the past. If Gill gets in then Sanju might have to miss out and Jitesh might get a game,” a BCCI source informed the Express.
When will India announce the squad for the Asia Cup 2025?
The Indian selection committee, led by the chairman of selectors and former bowler Ajit Agarkar, is expected to meet on Tuesday, August 19, to announce the squad for the Asia Cup 2025
Mohammed Siraj unlikely to make pace attack
Another big talking point is Mohammed Siraj. Despite being the leading wicket-taker in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the pacer may not be picked for the Asia Cup.
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With Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack and Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana in contention, Siraj could be the odd man out. Hardik Pandya is also expected to feature as the seam-bowling all-rounder.
Veteran Mohammed Shami is reportedly not in consideration for the T20I format, making it a largely youthful fast-bowling group.
The final squad announcement will not just be about names but about India's larger T20 strategy heading into the Asia Cup and then the T20 World Cup in 2026.