Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the team. Jasprit Bumrah also returns to the squad, bolstering India's pace attack for the Asia Cup, which will be held in the UAE from September 9-28, 2025. The 15-member squad was announced on August 19, 2025, by BCCI selection chief Ajit Agarkar. India will kick off their campaign against the hosts UAE on September 10, followed by a high-profile clash against Pakistan on September 14, and their final group game will be against Oman on September 19.
Key Squad Selections and Changes
Along with the announcement of Shubman Gill as vice-captain, there were some important selection decisions. Sanju Samson has retained his position as the first-choice wicketkeeper, while Jitesh Sharma has been picked as the second wicketkeeper, edging out Dhruv Jurel. Jitesh’s brilliant finishing performances during Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL 2025 title run played a key role in his selection.
Gill’s Return to T20I
Shubman Gill has made a return to the T20I fold, and with his form in recent months, his elevation to vice-captain is seen as a strategic move. Gill’s role in the top order is expected, although Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are also options for opening. The middle order, packed with power hitters like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, is expected to offer plenty of firepower. The all-rounder contingent of Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube will offer depth to the squad, making the team well-balanced and flexible.
Notable Omissions and the Pace Attack
The squad also raised eyebrows with some notable omissions, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, who were expected to make the cut but failed to do so. Jaiswal, despite an impressive form in the IPL, finds himself in the reserves alongside Prasidh Krishna, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar. Shreyas Iyer, who had a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, amassing over 600 runs, also missed out.
Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and the promising Harshit Rana. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offer further seam options in the middle overs, giving India balance and flexibility. The spin department will be led by Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel. The trio is expected to play a key role, especially in the latter stages of the tournament.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup
With Asia Cup 2025 serving as a crucial preparation ground for the 2026 T20 World Cup, India is expected to fine-tune their combinations and leadership structure during the tournament. The selection choices reflect the team's aim to maintain stability while integrating players who are in good form, particularly from the IPL 2025.
India Squad for Asia Cup T20
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
Players: Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Stand-bys: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India's squad reflects a balanced mix of experienced players and young talent, setting the stage for an exciting tournament in the UAE. The team will aim to continue their strong run in T20I cricket and bring home the coveted Asia Cup 2025 trophy.
