The thrilling five-match Test series between India and England wrapped up on August 4 (Monday), shifting the focus firmly toward the T20 format. After a six-month break from T20 Internationals, Team India is set to return to action in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE.
This tournament is especially significant as it marks the beginning of India’s build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. With limited time to finalize their best XI, the Asia Cup provides the perfect platform to identify and fine-tune the squad.
India’s Group and Fixtures in Asia Cup 2025
India has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. They will open their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE, setting the tone for what promises to be a crucial tournament in the lead-up to the global showpiece.
Having won the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, India has remained in dominant form. They’ve won 17 of their 20 T20Is since lifting the trophy, including a 4-1 series victory over England earlier this year. However, the squad for the Asia Cup is expected to feature a few fresh faces and experimentations.
India’s Probable Squad for Asia Cup 2025
With Suryakumar Yadav likely to return as captain, the selectors are expected to balance experience with young talent. The likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Shreyas Iyer are under consideration, although not all may make the final cut.
Veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah could be rested to manage his workload, opening doors for someone like Prasidh Krishna or Khaleel Ahmed.
Here’s a look at the probable 15-member squad:
- Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Middle-order & Finishers: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh / Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube / Riyan Parag, Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
- Spinners: Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav
- Pacers: Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah* (*subject to fitness)
If Bumrah is rested, expect either Prasidh Krishna or Khaleel Ahmed to be drafted in as a pace option.
India’s Probable Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025
India is expected to test out a balanced yet dynamic XI in the Asia Cup, with several players pushing for a permanent spot in the lead-up to the World Cup. Here’s the likely starting combination:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Shivam Dube
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav / Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
With explosive hitters, versatile all-rounders, and a spin-heavy bowling attack, this squad offers flexibility and depth. The Asia Cup 2025 will be more than just a regional contest—it’s the start of India’s final sprint towards defending their T20 World Cup crown in 2026.
