With the Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, excitement is building as the BCCI has officially announced India’s 15-man squad for the tournament, which will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with the squad being revealed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on August 19 in Mumbai. India have been drawn in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Oman, and hosts UAE.
The biggest talking point after the announcement has been the return of Shubman Gill, who has been named vice-captain of the T20I side. Gill last appeared in a T20I against Sri Lanka in 2024. A stellar IPL season followed by a sensational Test series against England paved the way for his comeback.
However, Gill’s inclusion has created a pleasant headache for the team management. Until now, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson had formed a successful opening partnership at the top of the order — consistently giving India strong starts. With Gill back and expected to occupy one of the opening slots, either Abhishek or Samson may have to make way.
Ajit Agarkar himself admitted there are several options available to the coach while finalising the playing XI — and that includes settling the opening combination, which has suddenly become one of the biggest talking points going into the Asia Cup 2025.
Asia Cup 2025 India Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, or Shubman Gill?
With the squad now confirmed, the biggest selection puzzle for India ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 is simple — who opens the batting?
Sanju Samson – Experience & Flair
Sanju Samson brings both experience and explosiveness. Having played 42 T20Is for India and scored 861 runs, he also boasts three international T20 centuries. However, injuries during IPL 2025 affected his form and limited his game time with Rajasthan Royals. During the season, he even moved to No.3 to give rising star Vaibhav Suryavanshi (youngest Indian to hit an IPL century) a chance at the top. With form tapering and batting position fluid, Samson now faces stiff competition for his opening spot.
Shubman Gill – Vice-Captain & High on Confidence
Gill has featured in 21 T20Is, scoring 578 runs with a century, but what truly strengthens his claim is his red-hot IPL 2025 season, where he racked up 650 runs in 15 matches for Gujarat Titans. As the newly appointed vice-captain, Gill is likely to slot straight into the XI — and given his form, looks the frontrunner to open the innings.
Abhishek Sharma – The X-Factor
Abhishek Sharma has re-defined India’s powerplay striking with his ultra-attacking approach. His natural game brings fearless intent from ball one — a style perfectly suited for UAE conditions. Importantly, he is flexible and can complement any opening partner, whether it’s Samson or Gill, thanks to his ability to maximise scoring during the first six overs.
Asia Cup 2025 India Squad: Who Will Support Abhishek Sharma at the Top?
With the Asia Cup around the corner, one of India’s biggest selection puzzles remains the opening partner for Abhishek Sharma, who has rapidly become one of the most destructive T20I batters in the world.
So far, Sanju Samson has done well in the opening role alongside Abhishek and offers familiarity at the top. In contrast, while Shubman Gill has returned as vice-captain, he is yet to fully establish himself as a T20I opener. If the team management sticks with its tried-and-tested pair, then Samson-Abhishek could continue.
However, Gill’s leadership status and excellent form may tempt the coaching staff to try him at the top. In that case, Samson would most likely drop into the middle order, providing flexibility and firepower later in the innings.
With India’s first match against UAE on September 10, the team combination could also change depending on the opposition. Ultimately, while Abhishek is locked in, the choice between Samson or Gill as his partner may go down to the wire — and could even change during the tournament.
India Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Also Read –India Squad for Asia Cup 2025 Announced: Gill Returns, Bumrah Back, Jaiswal Dropped
