The senior men's selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, unveiled India's 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to commence on September 9 in the UAE. With Suryakumar Yadav continuing as captain and Shubman Gill returning as vice-captain, the announcement sparked widespread discussion due to some bold selections and surprising omissions. The squad blends experience with youth, but the exclusion of several in-form players has raised eyebrows. Here, we delve into the most notable omissions and key changes, shedding light on the selection committee's tough calls and strategic decisions for the tournament.
No Place For Shreyas Iyer
Despite a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, Shreyas Iyer found himself excluded from the Asia Cup squad. Iyer, known for his aggressive batting and leadership, was a standout performer, showcasing consistency and flair. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the current squad's depth made it challenging to accommodate everyone. Iyer’s absence is a harsh call, especially given his ability to anchor and accelerate innings, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether he’ll get a chance to reclaim his spot soon.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Gets Overlooked
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the dynamic left-handed opener, was another shocking omission from the Asia Cup squad. As the top scorer for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, Jaiswal’s explosive batting and improved T20I strike rate made him a strong contender. Agarkar acknowledged his form but highlighted Abhishek Sharma’s recent performances and bowling utility as reasons for his inclusion over Jaiswal. "It’s unfortunate, but someone has to miss out," Agarkar noted. Jaiswal’s exclusion, despite being part of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, has sparked debates about balancing team composition with rewarding consistent performers.
Prasidh's Purple Patch Fails To Convince
Prasidh Krishna’s sensational IPL 2025, where he claimed 25 wickets, wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the Asia Cup squad. The lanky pacer, known for his pace and bounce, was overlooked in favor of other bowlers, leaving many surprised. Agarkar’s decision reflects a preference for bowlers offering versatility or consistency in international conditions. Krishna’s inclusion in the standby list suggests he remains in the selectors’ plans, but his omission from the main squad raises questions about the criteria for selection. Fans expected his purple patch to translate into a call-up, making this a bold and debated move.
A New Vice-Captain For The Team
Shubman Gill’s return as vice-captain marks a significant shift in India’s T20I setup. Having last played a T20I in July 2024 as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav, Gill’s leadership credentials and recent form in Tests made him a natural choice. “He was vice-captain the last time he played T20s for India,” Suryakumar noted, emphasizing continuity. Gill’s appointment over Axar Patel signals the team’s faith in his potential to lead across formats. His elegant batting and growing maturity under pressure make this a promising move, with fans eager to see his impact in the tournament.
Will Jasprit Bumrah Play All Matches?
Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Asia Cup is a major boost, but questions linger about his workload management. Having played only three of five Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Bumrah’s selective participation drew criticism. Agarkar defended the approach, stressing Bumrah’s value: “We know how special he is.” With no fixed plan, the team management will monitor his fitness closely, prioritizing major tournaments like the Asia Cup. Bumrah’s role as the pace spearhead is undisputed, but fans and analysts wonder if he’ll feature in every match, given his history of carefully managed workloads
