The 2025 Asia Cup kicks off on Tuesday, September 9, and all eyes will be on India, who enter the tournament as the number one ranked T20I side in the world. With a fearsome bowling line-up and a power-packed batting unit, the Men in Blue are widely considered the team to beat in this multi-nation competition.
While India’s batting strength has been widely praised, what truly sets this current team apart is their bowling depth. The pace and accuracy of Jasprit Bumrah, the guile of Varun Chakaravarthy, the swing of Arshdeep Singh, and the spin wizardry of Kuldeep Yadav make India’s attack incredibly well-rounded and dangerous.
Ravi Shastri Backs Kuldeep Yadav to Be India’s Trump Card
At first glance, Jasprit Bumrah might appear to be India’s most potent weapon heading into the tournament. However, former head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Kuldeep Yadav will play a pivotal role in India’s campaign. According to Shastri, the left-arm wrist-spinner is currently at the peak of his powers.
“I think Kuldeep is at his peak now. He did extremely well in the IPL and unfortunately couldn’t feature in the Tests in England due to conditions and team composition. But he will be a vital cog in the wheel in the Asia Cup and going forward, along with Varun and Axar Patel,” Shastri told the Times of India.
Shastri pointed to India’s winning formula at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Kuldeep and Varun operated in tandem to choke opposition batters in the middle overs. He advocated for a similar spin-heavy strategy in the Asia Cup, especially given the likely slow pitches in Dubai.
“If you have two wrist-spinners of that quality, I would love to have them in my side,” he added.
Shubman Gill Returns to the T20I Setup
One of the major highlights for India in this year’s Asia Cup is the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I format. The stylish right-hander last played a T20 international in July 2024 and has been in terrific form in other formats, especially during the tour of England.
Shastri expressed confidence in Gill’s ability to adapt and perform, calling him a future pillar of Indian cricket across all formats.
“Gill has all the shots in the book. He gets the big scores. Just see his IPL record over the last few years. And especially after a tour of England, he will be on a high. But, in Dubai, the pitches could be slower, and even the top shot-makers will have to adjust,” he noted.
Nonetheless, Shastri believes Gill has the temperament and technique to succeed regardless of conditions. “Gill will be a pillar of strength for Indian teams across formats for the next 10 years.”
India: The Team to Beat in T20 Cricket
With a roster filled with big-hitters, skilled spinners, and world-class pacers, India’s current T20 squad appears well-equipped for all conditions. Shastri highlighted the influence of the IPL, crediting it for enhancing the confidence and shot-making ability of younger players.
“With the amount of IPL cricket being played, the confidence and the shot-making ability of some of the players is unbelievable. They are young, they have the exuberance of youth, and if they get good conditions, these guys can be real entertainers. They are quite clearly the team to beat,” Shastri concluded.
As the Asia Cup approaches, the focus will be on whether this well-balanced Indian side can live up to expectations and bring home yet another trophy. With Kuldeep Yadav peaking, Shubman Gill returning, and a lethal bowling attack in tow, the Men in Blue look ready to dominate.
