India's squad for ACC Asia Cup 2025 announced
The tournament, set to be played across Dubai and Abu Dhabi later this year, will be the first major test for the explosive batter Yadav, who has been a permanent fixture in India's T20I setup. Shubman Gill, another pillar of the team's future, has been appointed as the vice-captain.
The 15-member squad is a blend of dynamic batting talent and versatile all-round options. The selection panel, headed by Chairman Ajit Agarkar, has placed its faith in power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and the ever-reliable Rinku Singh.
The experienced Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel provide crucial balance as pace and spin all-rounders, respectively.
The wicket-keeping duties will be shared by the aggressive Jitesh Sharma and the seasoned Sanju Samson, suggesting a potential platoon based on match-ups.
The bowling attack boasts the world-class pace of Jasprit Bumrah, who will lead the line alongside the left-arm variety of Arshdeep Singh.
The exciting young talent Harshit Rana has received his maiden call-up to the senior ODI squad, a reward for his impressive domestic and IPL performances.
The spin department will be handled by the wrist-spin of Kuldeep Yadav and the mystery of Varun Chakaravarthy.
The most significant takeaway, however, is the formal passing of the torch. The absence of Kohli and Rohit, who have been the cornerstones of the Indian batting line-up for over a decade, confirms the board's strategy to build towards the next ICC Champions Trophy in 2027 with a younger core.
This decision follows India's successful campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit's leadership, which appears to have been a fitting swansong for the veteran openers in white-ball cricket.
The standby list includes promising names like left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, pacer Prasidh Krishna, all-rounder Washington Sundar, and the explosive Riyan Parag and wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel, providing depth for the tournament scheduled in the demanding UAE heat.
The announcement was made via a media advisory from BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia, which was followed by a press conference with the selection committee to elaborate on the choices made.
ASIA CUP SCHEDULE 2025
DATE MATCH TIME VENUE
9-SEP-2025 AFG VS HK 8:00 PM ABU DHABI
10-SEP-2025 IND VS UAE 8:00 PM DUBAI
11-SEP-2025 BAN VS HK 8:00 PM ABU DHABI
12-SEP-2025 PAK VS OMA 8:00 PM DUBAI
13-SEP-2025 BAN VS SL 8:00 PM ABU DHABI
14-SEP-2025 IND VS PAK 8:00 PM DUBAI
15-SEP-2025 UAE VS OMN 5:30 PM ABU DHABI
15-SEP-2025 SL VS HK 8:00 PM DUBAI
16-SEP-2025. BAN VS AFG. 8:00 PM ABU DHABI
17-SEP-2025 PAK VS UAE 8:00 PM DUBAI
18-SEP-2025 SL VS AFG 8:00 PM ABU DHABI
19-SEP-2025 IND VS OMN 8:00 PM ABU DHABI
28-SEP-2025 FINAL 8:00 PM DUBAI
India Squad for ACC Asia Cup 2025:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), 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.
Standby Players:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel.
