India's likely Asia Cup squad: Shubman Gill returns but last year's T20 WC winner absent in batting order; in images

What could India's squad look like as they travel to the UAE for the Asia Cup 2025, trying to add another trophy to their tally?

Published on: Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM IST

Cricket

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

India are preparing to continue a strong start to life in T20 cricket under the guidance of Suryakumar Yadav, who has forged a formidable unit alongside coach Gautam Gambhir. Ahead of next year's home T20 World Cup, next month's Asia Cup will be an important warm-up event for the team to find its identity. (PTI)

2/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Suryakumar Yadav has had a strong start as captain of India's team in the shortest format, and with him looking a world apart in the IPL with bat in hand, will lead from the front in both departments once again. (PTI)

3/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Sanju Samson has quickly established himself as one of the options to replace the Rohit-Virat axis opening the batting. The Kerala man also wears the gloves, and makes him a nailed-on starter, as he begins to deliver on his career's immense promise. (AFP)

4/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Now rising to number one T20I batter in the world, Abhishek Sharma is simply a difference maker at the top of the order. Capable of giving lightning starts and also going on to get the big one, offers the skills of the perfect modern T20 opener right at the top. (AP)

5/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

One of the most precociously talented batters in the Indian unit, Tilak Varma has every shot in the book and has the ability to play the most incredible innings. Can score runs all around the wicket and bat anywhere in the lineup.

6/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

A player who might well go into some of these matches as a frontline seam option who also bats at number 5, Hardik Pandya is the kind of player other teams would bite your hand off to have. Now a fixture in India's white ball plans, not going anywhere, and a match-winner unlike many others. (ANI)

7/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

India's vice-captain is expected to be Axar Patel, a jack-of-all-trades who continues to improve in all fields, including leadership. An option anywhere from number 4 to number 7 with bat, and capable of bowling the tough overs when needed, whose flexibility opens up so many avenues for India. A gun fielder to boot. (PTI)

8/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

A big question remains who is considered as the backup wicketkeeper for Samson. There are a few options, but the leaders of the pack are likely Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel, with Rishabh Pant's injury likely sidelining him. Jitesh's added lower-order ability for a top-heavy Indian team likely favours him. (AP)

9/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Kuldeep Yadav spent a couple of months warming the bench in England, but having shown his incredible development as a bowler and looking in incredible rhythm for Delhi in the IPL, is a frontline option on the low, slow tracks in the UAE. (ANI)

10/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Varun Chakravarthy snapped up his second chance in the Indian national team, showing off his ability particularly in the UAE during the Champions Trophy. India's magician up their sleeve, his mystery will be key on these surfaces. (AFP)

11/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

In a big piece of news, Jasprit Bumrah has been given the go-ahead to play in the T20-format Asia Cup, where he will be India's x-factor as he almost always is. Set to lead the line as the world's greatest T20 bowler. (REUTERS)

12/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Now India's leading wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game, Arshdeep Singh is a lock on to play in the Asia Cup. Capable of leading the pace attack, he has also shown his ability to be a tremendous support bowler to someone like Bumrah. (BCCI - X)

13/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

The backup option for India's two seamers is likely to be Harshit Rana, a favourite for coach Gautam Gambhir and someone who provides a little bit of a difference with his aggressive hit-the-deck style. (BCCI X)

14/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Shivam Dube saw his spot with some question marks, but a good series against England earlier this year will ensure he remains in the squad, if only as a backup for the lower middle order. (ANI)

15/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

Washington Sundar might come in as the spin-bowling backup for the likes of Axar Patel and co., and offers a little bit extra with bat in case Gambhir continues to subscribe to his all-rounder-heavy tendencies. (PTI)

16/16

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Aug 13, 2025 6:26 PM

As per recent reports in the media, Shubman Gill has been touted as a potential member of the T20I team, although it might well be just as a backup option. He would nudge out names such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and his GT teammate Sai Sudharsan as backup opening options for the go-to pair. (AFP)