After six grueling weeks of intense red-ball cricket action, Team India’s players are set to enjoy a well-deserved one-month break. But soon enough, attention will shift to the white-ball format with the T20 Asia Cup kicking off in the UAE from September 9, 2025. This tournament will mark India’s return to T20 internationals since their dominant 4-1 series win over England earlier this year.
The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are expected to meet in the third week of August to finalise the squad. While many of the regulars are expected to retain their places, some fresh faces could be rewarded for impressive IPL 2025 performances.
Who’s Likely to Make the Cut?
Top-Order Stability
India’s T20I opening pair – Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have been in good rhythm and are expected to continue at the top. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav will likely follow at No. 3, forming a solid top-order combination.
Middle-Order Backbone
Tilak Varma, currently sharpening his skills in England’s county circuit, remains a key part of the middle order. Alongside him, expect to see Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel, giving India plenty of firepower and flexibility through the middle overs.
Possible Inclusions & Comebacks
Kuldeep Yadav
Though he didn’t get game time in England, UAE’s spin-friendly conditions could prompt a recall for the left-arm wrist spinner.
Harshit Rana
After a standout IPL season, the young pacer could be rewarded, especially if Jasprit Bumrah, reportedly dealing with a knee niggle, is unavailable.
Prasidh Krishna
While his England tour started slow, Krishna came alive in the latter stages, playing a pivotal role in the 2-2 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy draw. And let’s not forget, he was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2025, bagging 25 wickets for Gujarat Titans.
Selection Dilemmas
Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness
Reports suggest he might be carrying a knee issue. Given his injury history, the team management could be cautious. If he’s not ready, Harshit Rana is the frontrunner to step in.
Rishabh Pant & Nitish Reddy
Both are recovering from injuries and are unlikely to be considered for selection.
Mohammed Shami
After being left out of the England Tests due to fitness concerns, and with a disappointing IPL showing (6 wickets in 9 games at 11.23 economy), Shami’s return seems unlikely.
Shubman Gill & Mohammed Siraj
Gill has had a phenomenal year – 650 IPL runs and 754 in the England Test series but with the West Indies Tests following soon after, he might be rested. Siraj, who was the top wicket-taker in the England series, is also expected to be given a breather.
Wildcard Entry
Could we see a surprise? Krunal was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first-ever IPL title earlier this year. Though he last played a T20I in 2021, his recent form may tempt selectors into considering him for a utility all-rounder role.
India’s Probable Squad For Asia Cup 2025
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah/Harshit Rana, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jitesh Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, Krunal Pandya.
