BCCI Announces India Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain | News GUY

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, to be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The announcement has created a buzz among fans, with surprising selections, shocking omissions, and a clear indication of India’s future strategy in T20 cricket.

Leadership Decision

Suryakumar Yadav has been retained as captain of the side, continuing to lead India in T20Is.

Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain, marking his return to T20 internationals and signaling the management’s trust in his long-term leadership potential.

Full 15-Member Squad

1. Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)

2. Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)

3. Abhishek Sharma

4. Tilak Varma

5. Hardik Pandya

6. Shivam Dube

7. Axar Patel

8. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper)

9. Jasprit Bumrah

10. Arshdeep Singh

11. Varun Chakaravarthy

12. Kuldeep Yadav

13. Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)

14. Harshit Rana

15. Rinku Singh

Standby Players

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Prasidh Krishna

Washington Sundar

Riyan Parag

Dhruv Jurel

Notable Omissions

The biggest talking point was the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom had been in strong form in domestic cricket and the IPL. Jaiswal’s omission was particularly surprising, given his explosive batting at the top of the order. Shreyas Iyer, despite scoring heavily in the IPL, did not find a place in the squad.

Other notable exclusions include Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Washington Sundar, who were considered strong contenders for a spot.

Selection Strategy

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the final decisions were based on team balance, with an emphasis on multi-dimensional players who can contribute in more than one discipline. For instance, Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion was favored over Jaiswal due to his ability to bowl left-arm spin, adding depth to the side.

Controversy and Favoritism Debate

The selection of Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana sparked debates, with many critics questioning whether their inclusion was based more on connections and potential rather than current form. Allegations of favoritism emerged on social media, especially in light of Shreyas Iyer’s omission, which many fans felt was unfair.

Balanced Squad Dynamics

India’s squad reflects a careful mix of youth and experience. The presence of senior players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah brings stability, while emerging stars such as Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana provide fresh energy. The team also boasts a strong spin department with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy, ensuring variety in bowling options.

Upcoming Challenges

India is placed in Group A, where they will begin their campaign against the United Arab Emirates before facing their arch-rivals Pakistan in a much-anticipated clash. The tournament will serve as a crucial preparation ground for the T20 World Cup 2026, with selectors aiming to finalize a core group of players.