Lagatar24 Desk
India enter the Asia Cup 2025 as defending champions, balancing youth and experience while shaping a squad for the next era of T20 cricket. With Shubman Gill returning as vice-captain, Jasprit Bumrah adding his death-over expertise, and Arshdeep Singh spearheading the pace attack, the tournament doubles as both a title defense and a dress rehearsal for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Fixture Line-Up and Key Clashes
India open their Group A campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on September 14. The group stage concludes against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. Each game is a test of balance, with a blend of established stars and new faces.
Bowling Strength and Arshdeep’s Rise
Bumrah’s comeback adds depth, but Arshdeep Singh remains India’s headline act, with 36 wickets in 18 T20Is since the last World Cup at an average of 13.50. Supported by Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel, the bowling unit looks equipped for UAE conditions.
Top-Order Conundrum With Gill’s Return
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have dominated in the powerplay, while Tilak Varma has secured No. 3 with consistent runs. Gill’s reintegration poses a selection dilemma—does the management disrupt a winning top three or reshape the order to leverage his leadership potential?
Middle Order and Sixth Bowler Puzzle
Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel add flexibility and finishing firepower, but Rinku’s modest returns remain a concern. The sixth bowling option is a balancing act: Pandya offers genuine all-round value, Dube brings big-hitting and part-time seam, while Harshit Rana adds bowling depth with limited batting.
Form and Asia Cup Dominance
India have won 17 of their last 20 T20Is since the 2024 World Cup, showcasing consistency while experimenting with combinations. Historically, India have dominated the Asia Cup with eight titles, including their most recent triumph in 2023 when they crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Colombo.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Standby: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel
Predicted XI
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel
