Asia Cup 2025: The wait is finally over as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member squad for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE. Defending champions India are once again ready to step onto the field with the aim of clinching their ninth Asia Cup title.
This year’s squad carries a mix of youthful energy and experienced leadership, making it one of the most balanced units in recent times. The spotlight, however, is on two major developments—the return of Jasprit Bumrah to the T20I setup and the captaincy role handed to Suryakumar Yadav.
Bumrah’s Comeback: A Major Boost
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah makes his much-awaited comeback to white-ball cricket after almost a year. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Bumrah has only featured in Test cricket and was rested from shorter formats due to workload management and injury concerns.
His return adds immense firepower to India’s bowling attack, which already features the young but proven Arshdeep Singh and the rising talent Harshit Rana.
Bumrah’s presence is not just about his wicket-taking ability but also about his leadership within the bowling unit, his death-bowling expertise, and his experience in pressure matches — something India will heavily rely upon, especially against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Suryakumar Yadav Takes the Helm
Another big headline from the squad announcement is the elevation of Suryakumar Yadav as captain. Known globally as one of the most destructive T20 batters, Suryakumar’s rise as a leader has been steady over the last two years. His ability to handle pressure and inspire confidence among younger teammates seems to have convinced the selectors.
Supporting him will be Shubman Gill, who has been named vice-captain. Gill’s inclusion in leadership reflects India’s intent to groom him for future responsibilities while ensuring he plays a key role at the top of the order.
India’s 15-Member Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Indian team: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jaspreet Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson., Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Reserves Players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Batting: Youth Meets Experience
The selectors have shown immense faith in young talent. Rising stars Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh have been rewarded for their consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. All three have shown the temperament and skill needed to thrive on the international stage.
Balancing this youthful exuberance is the experience of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill. While SKY provides explosive firepower in the middle overs, Gill’s calmness and technique at the top will be crucial in navigating tricky conditions.
In the wicketkeeping department, Sanju Samson has been chosen as the first-choice keeper. Samson, who has formed a solid partnership with Abhishek Sharma in recent months, adds reliability to the top order. Jitesh Sharma serves as a backup, known for his quick scoring ability in the lower middle order.
All-Rounder Depth: India’s X-Factor
One of India’s biggest strengths heading into the Asia Cup is the all-rounder department. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have been pivotal in recent ICC tournaments, providing both stability with the bat and breakthroughs with the ball.
To add further balance, Shivam Dube has been included. His ability to clear boundaries with ease and bowl handy overs of medium pace makes him a valuable asset. With three genuine all-round options, India has the flexibility to adapt its playing XI based on pitch and opposition.
Bowling Attack: A Perfect Mix
India’s bowling unit looks formidable and balanced. With Bumrah leading the charge, the pace department also has Arshdeep Singh, who was crowned the ICC T20I Player of the Year 2024, and young Harshit Rana, who has impressed with his raw pace and aggression.
The spin department will be spearheaded by Varun Chakaravarthy, who has been sensational in UAE conditions during the Champions Trophy. Alongside him, Kuldeep Yadav makes a return to the T20I squad, giving India a lethal spin-bowling duo. This combination of pace and spin ensures India can handle any batting lineup in the tournament.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
- 10 September – India vs UAE (Dubai)
- 14 September – India vs Pakistan (Dubai)
- 19 September – India vs Oman (Dubai)
Super Four: September 20–26 (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
Final: September 28 (Dubai)
India’s Probable Playing XI (Asia Cup 2025)
- Shubman Gill
- Abhishek Sharma
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Rinku Singh
- Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav / Varun Chakravarthy
A Balanced, Fearless Squad
The Asia Cup 2025 promises to be an exciting chapter in India’s cricketing journey. With a captain in form (Suryakumar Yadav), a returning spearhead (Bumrah), a promising young core, and experienced match-winners, this squad looks more than capable of defending their crown.
The tournament will not only test India’s skills against tough opposition like Pakistan and Sri Lanka but also serve as an important preparation ground for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Fans will be eager to see how this dynamic combination of youth and experience performs on the big stage.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Cricket Board announced team without star players
Who is the captain of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025?
Suryakumar Yadav has been named the captain of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.
Is Jasprit Bumrah playing in the Asia Cup 2025?
Yes, Jasprit Bumrah has made his comeback to the Indian squad for Asia Cup 2025.
Who are the key players to watch out for in India’s squad?
Along with captain Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, young talents and experienced stars will be crucial for India’s performan.