Why Mohammed Siraj May Miss Out on India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad — Despite Stunning Test Form
Mohammed Siraj has been India’s standout performer in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England — finishing as the top wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets in just 5 Tests. His sensational 5-wicket haul at The Oval and an all-round display of stamina and skill have made headlines across the cricketing world. However, when it comes to T20 selection for the Asia Cup 2025, Siraj may surprisingly miss out.
Selectors Eye T20 Specialists
According to Cricbuzz, the Indian selectors are likely to stick with a more T20-oriented pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the bowling unit, with Arshdeep Singh almost certain to retain his place. The third pacer’s slot is reportedly between Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana — both of whom have impressed in high-pressure T20 arenas recently.
Siraj vs His Competition (T20 Format)
| Player | IPL 2025 Wickets | T20 Reputation | Selection Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 16 | Improving but inconsistent | Great Test form but modest T20 record |
| Prasidh Krishna | 21 (Purple Cap winner) | Reliable death bowler | Form + wicket-taking ability |
| Harshit Rana | Leading wicket-taker in domestic T20 | Rising star | Genuine pace + aggression |
| Arshdeep Singh | 20 | Left-arm variety | Experience + swing in powerplay |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 22 | World-class | Undisputed spearhead |
Siraj’s strength lies in longer formats, where he can work over batters with relentless accuracy and aggressive spells. In T20s, where adaptability in death overs and variations are key, others like Prasidh, Arshdeep and Harshit Rana are currently better suited to India’s strategy.
Selectors’ Philosophy: Continuity Over Reputation
Reports suggest the selectors want to maintain continuity with the T20I squad that has done well recently, rather than pick players based primarily on Test performances. Even though Siraj’s Test heroics have boosted his profile, the Asia Cup is being treated as a near-World-Cup build-up, so current T20 form is the top priority.
What’s Next For Siraj?
At 31, Siraj is still very much in India’s white-ball plans — but unless there’s an injury or drastic change in strategy, he may have to sit out the Asia Cup 2025. His best chance could come later this year if the team opts for rotation or if he delivers another strong IPL season to force the selectors’ hands.
What About the Rest of the Squad?
Alongside changes in the pace unit, the Asia Cup 2025 squad is also expected to see some bold calls in the all-rounder, spin and top-order departments.
Pace & All-Round Options
Hardik Pandya is set to return and will be included primarily as a fast-bowling all-rounder, giving the team added balance at No.6 or No.7. As a result, Mohammed Shami is unlikely to be considered — not only because of his recent injury workload but also because he hasn’t played T20I cricket for India since the England series.
This means the pace attack will feature:
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Jasprit Bumrah (lead bowler)
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Arshdeep Singh (left-arm swing)
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Either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana as the third seamer
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Hardik Pandya as seam-bowling all-rounder
Spin Department – No Surprises
India are expected to stick with three specialist spinners who have been consistent in white-ball cricket:
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Kuldeep Yadav – wrist-spinner and in-form wicket-taker
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Varun Chakaravarthy – mystery spinner ideal for UAE pitches
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Axar Patel (vice-captain) – left-arm spin and handy lower-order hitter
In addition, Washington Sundar is likely to return as a spin-bowling all-rounder after recovering from injury and last playing in February.
Top-Order Shake-up – Gill Not Guaranteed
While Shubman Gill has grown into the Test captaincy and was the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2025, the selectors are reportedly unsure about picking him for the Asia Cup unless head coach Gautam Gambhir pushes strongly during the selection meeting on August 19 in Mumbai.
One reason is that Gill has mainly opened in T20s, whereas the team combination might need a middle-order option.
Instead, the selectors currently favour:
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Sanju Samson – in red-hot form with three T20I centuries last year
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Abhishek Sharma – the ICC No.1-ranked T20I batter and a dynamic left-hander
Both players not only offer explosive batting but also flexibility in the top three — something Gill hasn’t consistently done in the T20I format.
Also Read – Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal Overlooked as IPL Stars Set to Feature in Asia Cup 2025: Reports
