The buzz around India’s squad announcement for the Asia Cup 2025 has been nothing short of electric, and for good reason. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors unveiling a 15-member roster packed with both seasoned names and rising stars, the cricketing community has been abuzz with debates, surprises, and a fair share of controversy. The omission of some high-profile performers and the reshuffling of leadership roles have given fans and pundits plenty to talk about as India prepares to chase a ninth Asia Cup crown from September 9 to 28 in the UAE.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing move was the removal of Axar Patel from the vice-captaincy. Axar, widely regarded as one of India’s most consistent performers in the shortest format, found himself replaced by 25-year-old opener Shubman Gill. The decision has not sat well with everyone. Former India international Mohammad Kaif voiced his discontent publicly, stating, “I hope Axar Patel knew about his removal from the post of vice-captain and didn’t come to know about it from the media. Axar didn’t do anything wrong, and he deserves an explanation.” Kaif’s comments have struck a chord with supporters who see Axar as a crucial all-round asset, especially after his steady run in both domestic and international circuits.
Gill’s elevation, however, is not without merit. After missing the last T20I series against England, Gill returns to the squad on the back of a stellar IPL 2025 campaign—650 runs at a strike rate of 155.87—and a successful stint as India’s Test captain in England, where he led the team to a hard-fought draw. His leadership credentials, combined with his ability to anchor and accelerate an innings, make him a logical choice for Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy. The selectors’ faith in Gill is clear: he’s not just in the squad, he’s expected to be a mainstay across all formats moving forward.
The squad itself is a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Suryakumar Yadav leads the side, with Gill as his vice-captain. The batting lineup features the explosive Abhishek Sharma and the ever-reliable Sanju Samson, who, along with Jitesh Sharma, round out the wicketkeeping options. Middle-order stability comes in the form of Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh, while the bowling attack boasts the returning Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and a spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Notably, Abhishek Sharma also offers a handy spin option, giving the team flexibility in the UAE’s spin-friendly conditions.
But for every player who made the cut, there are several notable omissions that have sparked intense debate. Shreyas Iyer, who enjoyed a standout IPL season with Punjab Kings and played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, was overlooked. Yashasvi Jaiswal, another player tipped to become an all-format star, also missed out on the main squad but finds himself among the five standbys. Prasidh Krishna, the Purple Cap holder in IPL 2025, and Mohammed Siraj, who starred both in the IPL and during the England series, were also left out, raising eyebrows among fans who expected their inclusion.
Perhaps the most discussed snub is that of Washington Sundar. Despite his recent heroics in both T20Is and the Test series against England—including an unbeaten century, a crucial half-century, and a four-wicket haul—Sundar finds himself only among the standbys. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the decision directly, explaining, “For now, we felt we needed an extra batter in Rinku,” and that the team required a mix of mystery and wrist-spin, leading to the selection of Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel ahead of Sundar. Agarkar was quick to assure fans that Sundar “will always be in the scheme of things,” reflecting the selectors’ long-term view of his value.
Sundar’s exclusion is particularly interesting given his reputation for composure and adaptability. MRF Pace Foundation coach M. Senthilnathan, who has closely followed Sundar’s development, praised his ability to stay calm under pressure and his willingness to adapt his game. “His biggest asset is his positivity and ability to stay calm. Opponents try to distract him, but he doesn’t react—he answers with performance,” Senthilnathan noted. The coach also sees Sundar as the natural successor to Ravichandran Ashwin, pointing to his all-round skills and temperament as the foundation for a long, successful career with India.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Asia Cup 2025 serves as a critical stepping stone for India’s preparations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. After the continental tournament, the team is slated to play 15 T20Is, offering ample opportunities for both established stars and fringe players to stake their claim. The current squad, with its focus on youth, flexibility, and a strong bowling attack, reflects the selectors’ intent to build a team that can adapt to different conditions and withstand the rigors of modern international cricket.
India’s campaign kicks off against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10, followed by the much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. With eight previous Asia Cup titles under their belt, expectations are sky-high. The squad’s composition suggests a willingness to experiment and invest in future leaders, but the absence of proven performers like Iyer, Jaiswal, Siraj, Krishna, and Sundar ensures that every selection will be scrutinized with each result.
As the countdown to the Asia Cup begins, all eyes are on how this new-look Indian side will gel under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership and whether the bold calls made by the selectors will pay off. The pressure is on the likes of Gill, Abhishek, and Rinku to justify their places, while those on standby will be eager to grab any opportunity that comes their way should injury or form force changes mid-tournament.
For now, the conversation is dominated by what might have been and what could still be. The Asia Cup 2025 promises high drama, fierce competition, and, as always, plenty of surprises. Indian cricket fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
