India’s Asia Cup Squad: No Place for Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill Set for Leadership Role, Suryakumar Yadav’s Fitness Under Watch

India’s Test captain Shubman Gill could be handed a leadership role in the T20I setup for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with the Ajit Agarkar-led senior selection committee weighing their options ahead of squad announcement on August 19 or 20. A final decision is expected once the Sports Science team at the Centre of Excellence submits the latest medical updates for all players — including current skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

Suryakumar, who has resumed batting at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, remains a key figure in India’s T20 plans. However, questions linger around his fitness, making Gill’s case for a bigger leadership role even stronger — especially after his stellar form in red-ball cricket, where he amassed 754 runs against England earlier this year.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to feature in the Asia Cup, but given the tight scheduling, he may be rested for the opening Test of the West Indies tour in October.

While Gill recently led India in Tests, Axar Patel was the designated vice-captain during India’s last T20I home series. Interestingly, Gill had served as deputy when Suryakumar first took over T20 captaincy during the Sri Lanka tour last year. With both players again in the mix for a leadership role, the selectors face a classic dilemma: reward Gill’s form or stick with the leadership continuity under Suryakumar.

Core Group Likely to Remain Intact

According to sources, the selection committee is inclined to retain the top five that have thrived under Suryakumar’s leadership — Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya.

“Abhishek is currently the top-ranked T20 batter in the ICC rankings. Sanju was brilliant last season with both bat and gloves. Shubman had a strong IPL and has been excellent in Tests, but squeezing everyone into the top order is going to be tricky,” a BCCI insider told PTI.

This logjam at the top may mean Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan — despite impressive performances — might have to wait their turn. KL Rahul, meanwhile, is not expected to feature, as the team management doesn’t see him fitting into India’s T20 middle-order plans.

Focus on Finishers and Wicketkeepers

With Samson almost certain to take the gloves as the first-choice wicketkeeper, the second spot is likely to be contested between Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel. While Jurel featured in India’s last T20 series, Jitesh’s performances in the IPL — especially as a finisher during RCB’s title run — have bolstered his chances.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the promising seam-bowling all-rounder, is unlikely to recover in time from the injury he picked up during the England series. In his absence, Shivam Dube, who impressed on his return to the T20I side earlier this year, is set to partner Hardik Pandya as the second all-rounder.

Bowling Attack Takes Shape

Bumrah will spearhead the bowling attack, with Arshdeep Singh expected to be his new-ball partner. The third seamer’s slot is likely to be a toss-up between IPL standout Prasidh Krishna, who claimed 25 wickets last season, and Harshit Rana, whose raw pace and bounce have caught the selectors’ eye.

Conditions in the UAE are expected to favor spin, so India could go in with a familiar trio of Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and either Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy.

Likely India Squad for Asia Cup 2025:

Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)

Shubman Gill

Abhishek Sharma

Sanju Samson (wk)

Tilak Varma

Hardik Pandya

Shivam Dube

Axar Patel

Washington Sundar

Kuldeep Yadav / Varun Chakravarthy

Jasprit Bumrah

Arshdeep Singh

Prasidh Krishna / Harshit Rana

Jitesh Sharma / Dhruv Jurel

India will open their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by a high-voltage clash with Pakistan on September 14. With the tournament fast approaching, the selectors face some tough calls — and whether Gill gets a formal leadership role may depend on how much the panel values recent form over established experience.