The countdown has officially begun for the 13th edition of the Asia Cup 2025, which gets underway on September 9 in the UAE. Originally slated to be hosted by India, the tournament has been shifted to the Gulf owing to political constraints back home. Unlike previous editions, this year’s Asia Cup features eight teams split into two groups, making room for fresh faces and emerging talent from across the continent.
While the cricket itself promises to be exciting, it is the squad announcements that have truly kept fans on the edge of their seats. So far, only Pakistan have revealed their squad — a youthful lineup led by Salman Ali Agha, picked in the startling absence of superstars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
All eyes are now on India, whose selectors are expected to meet on August 19 to lock in their final 15. If early reports are anything to go by, fans should brace themselves for a few selection shocks, much like Pakistan’s bold call.
Asia Cup 2025: Gill & Jaiswal Likely to Miss Out As Selectors Favour T20 Squad Continuity – Reports
With the Asia Cup 2025 set to begin on September 9 in the UAE, reports suggest that Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are likely to be left out of India’s squad despite their strong Test form. According to Sportstar, the selectors want to stick with the same T20I squad that played India’s last bilateral series, rather than bring in Test regulars.
Gill’s chances have reportedly taken a hit due to his role as Test captain, with India’s next Test series starting just four days after the Asia Cup final. Jaiswal too is expected to be rested, though he may be considered as a backup opener. Instead, the selectors are keen to back Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, both of whom impressed in recent T20Is, with Abhishek already boasting the record for the highest individual T20I score by an Indian.
India’s squad will officially be announced on August 19, and if reports hold true, fans could be in for a couple of big surprises.
Comeback on the Cards for Shreyas Iyer & Jitesh Sharma?
According to reports, the selectors are also considering a return for Shreyas Iyer and Jitesh Sharma in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Iyer, who hasn’t featured in T20Is since 2023, impressed during the last IPL season while leading Punjab Kings with maturity and consistency in the middle order.
Jitesh Sharma, meanwhile, enjoyed a breakout season as a finisher — smashing 261 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of over 150, making valuable contributions for RCB. The selectors are believed to be viewing him as a potential backup wicketkeeper to Sanju Samson in the squad.
Both players offer solidity and explosiveness in the middle order — something India may bank on as they look to fine-tune their combination ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
Will Jasprit Bumrah Feature in Asia Cup 2025?
One of the biggest calls facing the selectors ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 is the availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Regarded as the best bowler in world cricket today, Bumrah has declared himself available for selection — but managing his workload remains a major concern for the Indian think-tank, especially with a Test series against West Indies starting shortly after the tournament.
As a result, selectors are reportedly debating whether to play him in the Asia Cup or rest him and test the bench strength. If Bumrah is rested, Prasidh Krishna, who won the Purple Cap in the IPL with 25 wickets in 15 matches, is the front-runner to take his spot. Another young quick, Harshit Rana, is also believed to be in line for selection after his impressive domestic and IPL performances.
India open their campaign on September 10 against UAE, before the high-voltage clash versus Pakistan on September 14. Despite rumours that India might skip the Pakistan fixture, reports now confirm that the match will go ahead as scheduled.
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