India Squad for Asia Cup 2025 — 3 Stars Likely to Warm the Bench!

India Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Big Selections, Omissions, and Players Likely to Miss Out

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the much-anticipated Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday, which begins on September 9. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-member squad containing some big inclusions, surprising omissions, and tactical strategies, which are already causing discussion among fans.

Gill is the New Vice-Captain, and Bumrah is Back

Big news: Shubman Gill is back on the T20I team. Even better, he’s been named vice-captain, so the team believes he can be a leader.

Also, Jasprit Bumrah is back, which is great for India. He’s joining the fast bowlers, and his skill and experience will give India’s bowling team a serious boost for the competition.

Key Players Left Out in India Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Though the team seems well set, some well-known players did not make it. Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Washington Sundar were left out of the 15-man squad.

Leaving these players out shows the pickers may want fresh young power and true skill. With all-robin players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube who can bat and bowl, they give the team more range.

Potential Playing XI Challenges

Although they have a lot of good options within the squad, there will be some players unable to make the jump to the Playing XI. Here are three names that may not get a match during the Asia Cup:

1. Sanju Samson – Tough Road Ahead

With Gill providing captaincy leadership and Abhishek Sharma clearly going to be on one of the openers, he looks to be up against it. Chief selector Agarkar himself said, “Samson and Gill are two very good opening options along with Abhishek Sharma,” but with Gill as vice captain he is basically guaranteed. Unless the management plans on experimenting in the middle order, Samson may well find himself stuck on the bench.

2. Harshit Rana – Will He Even Get a Chance?

So, Harshit Rana’s on the team as a third fast bowler, after Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. But with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube probably playing as all-rounders who can bowl seam, India already has plenty of pace options. Because of this, it’s hard to see Rana getting a game unless someone gets hurt or they decide to switch things up.

3. Rinku Singh – Extra Batter

Even with his skill to finish games, Rinku Singh may not play much. Ajit Agarkar calls him the “extra batter” in the team. With Hardik, Dube, and Axar in charge of the middle and lower slots, Rinku is now at the back in line.

India Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

🚨 A look at #TeamIndia's squad for #AsiaCup 2025 🔽 pic.twitter.com/3VppXYQ5SO

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 19, 2025

Also Read: India vs Pakistan Clash Incoming: Asia Cup 2025 Dates & Venue Revealed!

The announcement of the India Squad for Asia Cup 2025 demonstrates India’s level of transition between youth and experience while also providing leadership opportunities to players such as Shubman Gill. The return of Bumrah gives strength to the bowling unit, but it raises questions about the future of players like Samson, Rana, and Rinku.

With the tournament just around the corner, all eyes will be on how Suryakumar Yadav’s India line-up for the initial game, and whether or not the management will throw some surprises into the Playing XI.