India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025: India Squad Changes, Key Players, and Campaign Opener

India vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 Campaign

The Asia Cup 2025 is all set to begin, and Team India will kick off their campaign against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10 in Dubai. After five days of intense training sessions, the Men in Blue will look to start strong against a UAE side that has gained recent match experience in a tri-series.

For India, the spotlight will be on Sanju Samson’s selection and the return of Shubman Gill, who not only makes his comeback to the T20 squad but also carries the vice-captain tag. With a mostly stable squad since the Bangladesh series last year, India enters the tournament with both exciting inclusions and some surprising omissions.

Spotlight on Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson

Shubman Gill returns to the T20 fold after more than a year, last featuring in the Sri Lanka series. His elevation as vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav shows the selectors’ long-term vision, and barring injury, Gill is expected to feature in all matches.

Meanwhile, the big question for fans is whether Sanju Samson will find a place in the starting XI. With Jitesh Sharma back in the squad after a sensational IPL 2025 season for RCB, competition for the wicketkeeper-batter role is fierce.

India Squad Changes: Inclusions and Comebacks

Players Included in Asia Cup 2025 Squad

• Shubman Gill – Returns after a year, named vice-captain.
• Jasprit Bumrah – Back in the T20I setup after a long absence.
• Jitesh Sharma – Rewarded for IPL 2025 heroics, replaces Dhruv Jurel.
• Shivam Dube – Comes in for injured Nitish Kumar Reddy as pace-bowling all-rounder.
• Kuldeep Yadav – Makes a comeback as the third spin option after recovering from injury.

Players Dropped from the Squad

• Mohammed Shami – Left out, signaling a possible end to his T20I journey.
• Nitish Kumar Reddy – Misses out due to injury, replaced by Dube.
• Ravi Bishnoi & Washington Sundar – Both dropped, with Kuldeep preferred as the spin option.
• Dhruv Jurel – Ousted as backup keeper, now in non-traveling reserves.

Why These Changes Matter

The Indian selectors have clearly emphasized youth and balance, with Gill, Jitesh, and Dube seen as long-term assets. Bumrah’s return bolsters the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav’s comeback adds much-needed spin variety for UAE conditions.

The exclusion of Mohammed Shami stands out, suggesting India is moving towards a new bowling core for T20Is. Similarly, leaving out Sundar and Bishnoi reflects the management’s confidence in a settled spin trio of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule – Key Matches

• India vs UAE – September 10 (Dubai)
• India vs Pakistan – September 14 (Blockbuster Group A clash)
• Super Four stage – Starts September 18
• Asia Cup 2025 Final – September 28

India’s opener against UAE may look straightforward on paper, but it serves as a crucial chance for players like Gill, Samson, and Jitesh Sharma to cement their roles before the high-voltage clash with Pakistan.

Also Read: Want to Watch India vs Pakistan Live? Book Asia Cup 2025 Tickets Here

India’s Road Ahead in Asia Cup 2025

India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad reflects a blend of experienced match-winners and emerging stars. With Gill’s return as vice-captain, Bumrah’s comeback, and new faces like Jitesh Sharma, the Men in Blue look well-prepared for a strong campaign.

All eyes will now be on Dubai, September 10, as India take on UAE in their opening clash a match that could set the tone for their journey toward the Asia Cup title.