New Delhi, Aug 19, 2025: The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee on Tuesday announced India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, ending all speculation about Shubman Gill’s inclusion. The 25-year-old, who was missing from India’s last three T20I series, has been brought back as vice-captain, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side.
Gill forced his way back into the squad with a sensational run in the five-Test series against England earlier this year, where he amassed 754 runs at an average of 75, the highest tally ever by an Indian in a bilateral Test series.
Gill Back at the Top
Despite missing recent T20I assignments against Bangladesh, South Africa and England, Gill’s consistency across formats and his leadership stint in Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka meant his inclusion was only a matter of time. He has already played 21 T20Is, scoring 578 runs at a strike rate of 139.27, including one century. In the IPL 2025, Gill scored 650 runs in 15 innings at an average of 50 and strike rate of 155.87, underlining his ability to both anchor and accelerate.
Samson vs Jitesh Debate
While Gill’s comeback strengthens the top order, it has created uncertainty around Sanju Samson’s place in the XI. Samson and Abhishek Sharma had formed a successful opening pair in Gill’s absence, both scoring multiple centuries. However, with Gill set to return as opener alongside Abhishek, Samson may lose his preferred role.
The selectors could instead opt for Jitesh Sharma as wicketkeeper, thanks to his finishing skills that powered RCB’s title-winning run in IPL 2025. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified:
“Sanju was opening because Gill and Jaiswal were not playing. With Abhishek’s performance, it was hard to look beyond him.”
No Place for Jaiswal and Iyer
Notably, there is no place for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer in the main squad. While Iyer impressed with Punjab Kings in the IPL, the selectors preferred others for the Asia Cup. Jaiswal has been named in the standby list, which also features Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel.
Strong Bowling Unit
On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah confirmed his availability and headlines the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav provide spin options, while Axar Patel adds all-round depth.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Main Squad: Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Standbys: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel.
With the Asia Cup seen as a key preparatory tournament before the T20 World Cup 2026, India’s squad selection highlights a balance of youth, experience, and flexibility.
