Probable India squad for Asia Cup: No back up opener, Shreyas Iyer gets a berth

The India Squad for the Asia Cup is set to be named on August 19, with Suryakumar Yadav as the skipper.

All the reports surrounding the Indian squad for Asia Cup, about all the individual players, have only increased the confusion in the minds of an average fan. Some claim that Jasprit Bumrah won’t be part of the team, while the others claim he is full fit and will play. Some say that Shreyas Iyer won’t be picked — and the remaining claim that he is a sure shot.

But this would end soon. The selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar is due to announce the Indian squad on August 19. Till then, InsideSport attempts to compile a 15, based on those reports, and the shape the squad could take.

First, the Confirmed Ones

The Indian T20I skipper — Suryakumar Yadav is fit to lead the side after a hernia surgery. And he will have for company, some of the main men of the this team — Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav could be one of the main spinners along with Varun Chakravarthy, while the pace department could consist of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

These core members already give a solid look to the India squad — one that can go on to win the Asia Cup with ease.

Third Opener Debate — Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal?

Going by the report, Yashasvi Jaiswal is slightly ahead, don’t ask why. But again, since the turnaround time between the Asia Cup, Duleep Trophy and the IND vs WI series is less, it is unlikely that the team would go with either. If the need arises, where an opener has to be replaced, maybe Tilak Varma can open.

Shreyas Iyer in, After All

Most reports have suggested that Shreyas would miss out. But a few have claimed otherwise. Given his consistent performances in the last two seasons of the IPL, and his leadership skills, he is a must have in the side. He might or might not be in the XI, but warrants a place in the squad.

The All-rounder Dilemma

Coach Gautam Gambhir likes his side full of all-rounders, and hence Shivam Dube comes in as the second pace-bowling all-rounder. Washington Sundar comes in as a spin option, who could work wonders in the UAE. In fact, Washi might very well be part of the playing XI too, along with Bumrah, Arshdeep, Pandya, Kuldeep and Axar.

Probable India Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube.