India Asia Cup Squad Announced: Surprises, Comebacks, and Young Stars in 2025 Lineup

The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 is officially on, and the cricketing world is buzzing. Why? Because India just dropped its India Asia Cup Squad — and it’s loaded with surprises, comebacks, and fresh talent.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead the charge in the UAE this September, with Shubman Gill backing him up as vice-captain. It’s a mix of proven firepower and youthful exuberance, and let’s be real — this squad could either set the tournament ablaze or leave us scratching our heads.

Let’s break it all down — who made the cut, who didn’t, and what it all means for India’s Asia Cup campaign.

The Big Reveal: India’s 15-Man Squad

Here’s the India Asia Cup Squad that’s set to represent India in the T20-format Asia Cup 2025, happening in the UAE from September 9 to 28:

Main Squad:

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
• Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Tilak Varma
• Hardik Pandya
• Shivam Dube
• Axar Patel
• Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper)
• Sanju Samson
• Rinku Singh
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Arshdeep Singh
• Varun Chakravarthy
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Harshit Rana

Standby Players:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shreyas Iyer
• Washington Sundar
• Prasidh Krishna
• Riyan Parag
• Dhruv Jurel

Suryakumar Yadav Returns as Skipper

Suryakumar Yadav isn’t just back — he’s back in charge.

India Asia Cup Squad, After recovering from sports hernia surgery, the explosive batter returns not only to the playing XI but at the helm. His leadership during injury-riddled months, combined with red-hot IPL form, convinced selectors to hand him the reins.

It’s a bold choice, especially in a squad packed with rising stars. But if there’s one man who thrives under pressure and brings flair to leadership, it’s Surya.

Shubman Gill: From Test Leader to T20 Vice-Captain

Don’t call it a comeback — call it a resurgence.

Gill, fresh off a stellar IPL and a solid England tour, is now vice-captain for the T20 side. His last T20I? Over a year ago. But he’s been grinding it out in ODIs and Tests, showing the kind of consistency selectors love.

Expect him to anchor the top order, guide younger players, and possibly even lead in the future.

Fresh Faces Take Center Stage

Let’s talk about the young guns. This India Asia Cup Squad is bursting with promise:

• Abhishek Sharma: Electric with the bat, handy with the ball. His form in IPL 2025 made him impossible to ignore.
• Tilak Varma: Already being touted as India’s next T20 sensation. Back-to-back centuries against South Africa? Yeah, he’s the real deal.
• Harshit Rana: Another IPL breakout star. Quick, aggressive, and not afraid to bowl in the death.

Selectors made it clear — form matters more than name value.

Middle-Order Puzzle: Jitesh vs Sanju

With the top four looking settled — Gill, Abhishek, Tilak, and Surya — the question now is: who keeps wickets?

Sanju Samson has the experience but struggles in the middle-order. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma has proven his finishing skills in IPL 2025 with RCB, and he fits better into the No. 6 or 7 slot.

The safe bet? Jitesh starts, and Samson warms the bench — unless there’s a reshuffle.

Bowling Attack: Pace, Precision, and Plenty of Options

This attack looks well-rounded and ready to fire:

• Jasprit Bumrah: Back in action after a cautious return in Tests. His experience is gold.
• Arshdeep Singh: Lethal with the new ball, deadly at the death.
• Varun Chakravarthy & Kuldeep Yadav: Two wrist-spinners who bring completely different skillsets. Expect spin to be a big factor in UAE conditions.
• Axar Patel & Shivam Dube: Versatile all-rounders who add balance.

And with Harshit Rana raring to go, India’s bowling unit looks both fresh and fierce.

Match Schedule: Mark Your Calendars

Here’s when India hits the field:

• September 10: India vs UAE (Dubai)
• September 14: India vs Pakistan (Dubai)
• September 19: India vs Oman (Abu Dhabi)

Followed by the Super Four stage and the final on September 28.

Needless to say, India vs Pakistan is the biggest highlight. Expect fireworks, tension, and one of the most-watched matches of the year.

Where Are Jaiswal and Iyer?

The biggest talking point? Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer being left out of the main squad.

Sure, it stings. Both had strong IPL seasons. But chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the tough calls:

“Abhishek’s all-round skills gave him the edge over Jaiswal. And with Iyer, it’s just about timing — not talent.”

Both players are in the standby list, so a last-minute call-up isn’t out of the question.

Asia Cup 2025 Format: Short and Sweet

India Asia Cup Squad, This year’s tournament goes back to the T20 format, making every ball count.

Why T20? It’s part of the build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2026, so this is India’s only multi-nation prep opportunity before the big event.

Shorter matches = more unpredictability. That means upsets are likely, and no team — not even India — can afford to take things lightly.

India: The Defending Champions

Let’s not forget — India are the reigning Asia Cup champions, having won the 2023 edition in the 50-over format.

But it was Sri Lanka who last lifted the T20 Asia Cup back in 2022.

So yes, there’s pressure. And yes, expectations are sky-high.

What’s Really at Stake?

More than just a trophy, folks.

This tournament is about:

• Testing combinations before the 2026 T20 World Cup
• Giving young players a chance to shine under pressure
• Seeing if Surya has what it takes to lead beyond just this series

Every game is a litmus test — not just for individual players, but for India’s entire T20 roadmap.

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Conclusion

So, here we are. A bold new India Asia Cup Squad for the Asia Cup 2025. A mix of fearless youth and seasoned pros. New leaders. New opportunities. And a whole lot to prove.

Sure, some fan favorites missed out. But this team? It’s hungry. And if everything clicks, they’re not just here to defend the title — they’re here to dominate.