Team India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is expected to be announced in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 19. The eight-team T20 tournament will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, marking India’s return to international action after a month-long break that followed their five-match Test series in England, which ended 2-2.
In a big boost, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has cleared his fitness test at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, making him available to lead the side. The star batter had undergone sports hernia surgery in Munich this June. Jasprit Bumrah has declared his availability for the Asia Cup, but despite his and Suryakumar’s return, selectors still face tough squad decisions.
Here are five key challenges they must address:
#5 What role could Shubman Gill play in the squad?
India’s Test skipper Shubman Gill is reportedly in strong contention for a T20I comeback at the Asia Cup 2025 after his impressive showing in the Test series against England. Gill last played T20I in July 2024, but even if selected for Asia Cup 2025, it won’t be easy to fit him into the XI.
The in-form opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson looks settled, while the rest of the batting order appears locked in. With limited spots available, even a performer like Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to miss out. If picked for Asia Cup 2025, where does Gill fit in India’s batting order?
#4 Can Shreyas Iyer break into the middle-order lineup?
Shreyas Iyer’s situation is quite unusual. While his omission from the Test squad is understandable, his absence from T20Is since December 2023 has raised eyebrows. At 30, he can be considered somewhat unfortunate. The right-hander had a strong IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, scoring 604 runs in 17 innings.
Yet, a T20I return may still be out of reach. With Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma firmly holding the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, Iyer’s chances of breaking back into the XI may only come through injuries or fitness setbacks to others.
#3 Who Will Be India’s Backup Wicketkeeper – Dhruv Jurel or Jitesh Sharma?
With Sanju Samson locked in as India’s first-choice T20I wicketkeeper, the race for the backup slot in the Asia Cup 2025 squad is likely between Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma. Both bring similar skill sets—Jurel regarded as the sharper gloveman, while Jitesh offers more firepower with the bat.
Although both enjoyed decent outings in IPL 2025, Jitesh’s form and big-hitting prowess could give him the advantage. His blistering unbeaten 85 off 33 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, while captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, may just tilt the selection battle in his favor.
#2 Shivam Dube vs Nitish Reddy: Who Becomes India’s Backup All-Rounder?
India have a wealth of all-rounder options heading into the Asia Cup 2025. Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are almost certain selections, but the selectors might consider adding one more. The contenders for that slot are Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Both are batting all-rounders, but Dube appears to have the upper hand given his recent form. Reddy endured a disappointing IPL campaign, struggled during the England tour, and has also been hampered by recurring injuries, which could work against his chances.
#1 Will Siraj’s England heroics earn him a spot?
Shubman Gill grabbed the spotlight with the bat during the England Tests, while Mohammed Siraj impressed with the ball. Yet, unlike Gill, there has been little discussion about Siraj’s potential inclusion in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh almost certain picks, the remaining pace spot could be contested between Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. Although Harshit has been the preferred option of late, it may still be too early to rule out a T20I comeback for Siraj.
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