Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill named vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer misses out in Team India’s squad selection. Yashasvi Jaiswal named in reserves.
The Asia Cup 2025, set to be played in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to September 28, has reignited the passions among the cricket fans all over again, particularly with the scheduled clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
This match carries even greater weight in the wake of April’s tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives and escalated tensions along the border. Many political figures, as well as former cricketers, have voiced strong opinions against India facing Pakistan so soon after such incidents.
Opposition leaders have demanded a boycott of any sporting exchange with Pakistan, questioning the ethical stance of the BCCI and criticizing what they term “profit over the blood of Indians and Armed Forces”. Meanwhile, former India international Kedar Jadhav went as far as insisting India should not play at all.
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Team India squad for Asia Cup 2025
Amid these tumultuous backdrops, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad, aiming to retain the Asia Cup crown and gear up for the T20 World Cup just six months away.
Main Squad (15 members):
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice Captain), Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana
The squad blends explosive young batters, versatile all-rounders, and a formidable bowling attack. Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead this young side, while Shubman Gill, fresh from his exploits in the Test arena, will return as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah’s presence, after confirming his fitness, boosts India’s pace battery, which also features the promising Arshdeep Singh and new face Harshit Rana.
The spin department will be spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav, complemented by Varun Chakaravarthy and the all-round ability of Axar Patel.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel will continue as India’s premier all-rounders, having played pivotal roles in the team’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy triumphs.
They will be joined by Shivam Dube to further strengthen the all-round department.
Standbys: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Notable omissions
Every squad selection brings its share of heartbreak and heated debates. Perhaps the most surprising omissions from Team India’s Asia Cup squad are:
Shreyas Iyer: Despite setting the IPL alight for Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer found no place in the main squad, a decision which has certainly raised eyebrows among fans and former players.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: After an explosive start to his international career, Jaiswal’s exclusion, although listed among standbys, signals the selectors’ preference for specific combinations.
Mohammed Siraj: Mohammed Siraj, the hero of India’s series win against England, is another big name missing. He played a key role in India’s victory in the final Test of that series and picked up 16 wickets in this year’s IPL.
🚨 A look at #TeamIndia's squad for #AsiaCup 2025 🔽 pic.twitter.com/3VppXYQ5SO
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 19, 2025
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Press conference insights
The squad announcement on August 19 was followed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav fronting the press. Agarkar emphasised the challenges in trimming a long shortlist down to a final 15.
“It’s very unfortunate for Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Abhishek doing well, he can bowl as well – one of the two was going to miss out – same with Shreyas, not his fault. With respect to Shreyas Iyer, who can he replace? It’s no fault of his, but neither ours,” Ajit Agarkar said.
Suryakumar Yadav, taking over the captain’s mantle, said, “This is the first big tournament we are playing after the T20 World Cup 2024. We played a few bilaterals, but this is a good tournament to test ourselves. There are a lot of T20S before we play the first game of the T20 World Cup. This is where the journey starts for the tournament.”
Asia Cup groups and fixtures
The tournament features eight teams, divided into two groups.
Group A
- India
- Pakistan
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Oman
Group B
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Hong Kong
India have been drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Although India are officially the host, matches between India and Pakistan will be played at neutral venues for the next three years under a BCCI-PCB agreement. Dubai will stage 11 matches and Abu Dhabi eight.
The tournament will begin on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong. India start their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the high-profile clash against Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue. Their last group game, against Oman, is scheduled for September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
The top two teams from each group advance to the Super 4 stage, to be played from September 20 to 26. The final is set for September 28 in Dubai, with venue allocations based on group standings.
There is no doubt in my mind that @ShreyasIyer15 will not only be in the t20 side but he will be part of the leadership group too. Patience is the key for him at the moment.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 19, 2025
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