On August 19 in Mumbai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is scheduled to announce the squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, which is set to commence on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates; Afghanistan will meet Hong Kong in the tournament’s opening match in Abu Dhabi.
Selection deliberations have intensified in the lead-up to the announcement. The final fifteen-member roster will likely balance current form and injury status, featuring certain incumbents regarded as certainties, while a narrow field of candidates will compete vigorously for the remaining berths.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are the likely openers after strong performances in recent T20 series. Samson also covers the wicketkeeping role, giving him an edge. That leaves Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in a difficult position. Jaiswal, part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad, could be retained as a backup option.
The middle order is where decisions get complicated. Tilak Varma impressed last year with three T20 centuries, while Shreyas Iyer produced a strong IPL 2024. Both may make the cut, though the batting order will need flexibility. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who usually floats between three and five, is expected to shape the final balance.
Finishing roles are likely to go to Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, despite their modest IPL 2025 returns. Dhruv Jurel could join them as a backup, also doubling as a reserve wicketkeeper since Rishabh Pant is sidelined with a toe fracture.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel remain first-choice all-rounders. Pandya’s seam bowling and power hitting complement Axar’s left-arm spin, especially on UAE tracks. Washington Sundar, who offers a similar mix, may be left out if selectors restrict all-rounder spots.
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India’s fast-bowling contingent is expected to comprise Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Bumrah’s physical condition remains under continuous assessment; in the event of his withdrawal, Mohammed Siraj or Prasidh Krishna will be the primary replacements. Hardik Pandya contributes a seam-bowling alternative, augmenting the department. Spin responsibilities will likely be assigned to Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
The provisional combination is therefore:
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Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Middle order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer
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Finishers: Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel
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All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
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Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav
The announcement on August 19 will confirm whether selectors stick with this balance or spring a surprise. Much depends on Bumrah’s fitness and the final call on backup batting options.
