By Imran Yousafzai
After Pakistan, traditional rivals India have announced their 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. On paper, the selection looks balanced – comprising five specialist batters, five bowlers, and five all-rounders. Yet, despite the numbers, the squad has come under heavy scrutiny from the media, former cricketers, and experts alike. The omission of key performers and the sudden inclusion of certain players has made the selection appear controversial and, in many eyes, unfair.
The tournament carries added significance: it is India’s first major event since the T20 retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both icons bowed out after the 2024 T20 World Cup, ushering in a new era for Indian cricket. Earlier this year, the team tested fresh faces in a five-match T20I series against England, which they won convincingly 4–1. A series against Bangladesh was also scheduled, but postponed due to political tensions between the two countries. Thus, the Asia Cup will serve as India’s first true test case without their long-serving stalwarts.
Leadership Shuffle and Big Names Left Out
In one of the most debated calls, Suryakumar Yadav – who had been out of the T20I setup for six months – has not only returned but has also been entrusted with the captaincy, ahead of senior campaigner Hardik Pandya. Shubman Gill, absent for nearly 13 months, has been recalled and immediately appointed vice-captain.
The full squad includes: Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.
What raised eyebrows most were the omissions of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, both considered T20 specialists. Jaiswal, who averages 36 with a strike rate of 164 in 23 T20Is and scored 353 runs in his last 10 innings (including three half-centuries), was expected to be a certain pick. Iyer too, with 1,104 runs in 51 matches at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 136, has been dropped, prompting former cricketer Dinesh Karthik to call the decision “unfair.” Allegations of favoritism and personal biases have inevitably surfaced, with critics questioning the exclusion of seasoned performers in favor of relatively untested names.
A Team Riddled with Questions
The most pressing debate centers around captaincy. Many experts argue that overlooking Pandya in favor of Suryakumar undermines stability ahead of next year’s World Cup. Some believe this squad is ill-equipped to deliver consistency at such a high-pressure tournament.
Concerns also extend to fitness:
Jasprit Bumrah’s ankle injury casts doubt on his availability for the entire tournament.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant remains sidelined with a fractured foot, leaving the keeping duties solely to Sanju Samson.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav himself underwent surgery just two months ago, and his match fitness is still under scrutiny.
Veterans like Mohammed Shami and Nitish Kumar Reddy are unavailable due to workload and injury issues.
Selection Headaches
Opening Combination: Gill, Samson, and Abhishek Sharma are all vying for the opening slot. With Dubai pitches and match pressure to factor in, the choice of opening pair could make or break games.
No. 7 Role: A toss-up between Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma remains unresolved.
Bowling Balance: India have named five frontline bowlers – pacers Bumrah and Harshit Rana, along with spinners Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav. Should Bumrah miss matches, the burden would fall on Arshdeep, Rana, and Pandya. Moreover, the choice between Kuldeep and Varun could impact the batting depth, potentially unsettling the balance of the XI.
Key Players and the Bigger Picture
India’s hopes will hinge heavily on Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Sanju Samson with the bat, while Bumrah, Arshdeep, Varun, and Kuldeep form the core of the bowling unit. Their performances could well define India’s campaign.
Despite the challenges, India remain a formidable force – a side capable of troubling any opposition on their day. Historically, they have won the Asia Cup seven times since 1983, including the last edition in 2023. Sri Lanka follows with five titles, while Pakistan have two.
The question remains: Can India, with its new-look squad and leadership, defend its crown in 2025? Or will this be the year the trophy finds a new home?
(Imran Yousafzai is a senior journalist, sports analyst/anchor person)
