India Announces Asia Cup 2025 Squad: Suryakumar Leads, Shubman Named Vice-Captain in T20I Return

India has officially announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, marking the beginning of its preparation phase for the next T20 World Cup. Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the T20I side, while Shubman Gill makes a much-anticipated return to the shortest format and has been appointed vice-captain. Gill last played a T20I in July 2024 and his inclusion signals the selectors’ intent to firmly establish him as an all-format player after his successful stint as Test captain during the England tour.

🚨 A look at #TeamIndia's squad for #AsiaCup 2025 🔽 pic.twitter.com/3VppXYQ5SO

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 19, 2025

The Asia Cup selection committee meeting, led by Ajit Agarkar, also confirmed the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav — both playing their first T20Is since the 2024 World Cup triumph in Barbados. Other regulars such as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh have been retained from the England T20I series earlier this year.

Standby players include Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India Asia Cup 2025 Squad – Key Roles and Selection Highlights

The India Asia Cup 2025 squad features Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as potential opening options, but with Gill named vice-captain, he is the front-runner to partner Abhishek at the top of the order. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said the decision was influenced by Gill’s excellent form and leadership qualities displayed in England.

In the middle order, India have strong depth with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. Three all-rounders — Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube — add balance and flexibility across departments. The specialist bowling unit includes Bumrah, Arshdeep, Kuldeep, Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana.

India Asia Cup 2025 Squad – Notable Exclusions and Players on Standby

Yashasvi Jaiswal narrowly missed out on a place in the main 15 despite being India’s reserve opener at last year’s T20 World Cup. Agarkar said it was a tough call, but Abhishek Sharma’s recent performances and his ability to bowl tipped the balance in his favour. Shreyas Iyer, who had a stellar IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, was also not selected in the final 15 due to intense competition for middle-order spots.

Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been named as standby reserves for the Asia Cup.

Leadership Continuity and Preparations for Upcoming ICC Events

Suryakumar Yadav explained that Gill had already served as vice-captain during the Sri Lanka T20Is in July 2024 and was simply unable to feature in more T20Is due to Test and Champions Trophy duties. He added that the squad sees the Asia Cup as an important starting point for the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, with India expected to play over 20 T20Is before the ICC event.

Group Stage Fixtures and Tournament Outlook

India will play their first Asia Cup match against UAE in Dubai on September 10. This will be followed by high-profile clashes against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai and Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. The Asia Cup will be India’s first major T20I assignment since the home series against England in January.

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