On 19 August 2025, the BCCI announced India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with Suryakumar Yadav named captain and Shubman Gill elevated to vice-captain—marking his return to limited-overs leadership.
The Squad at a Glance
The lineup includes:
- Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
- Shubman Gill (vice-captain)
- Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.
The Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from 9–28 September, serving as a critical warm-up for India before the T20 World Cup.
Why the Exclusions Stung
Fan favorite Shreyas Iyer was left out entirely—not just from the main squad but also not even on the standby list. Despite scoring 604 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 175 and being India’s second-highest run-scorer in the Champions Trophy, his omission sparked widespread shock.
Former players like Ravichandran Ashwin asked, “How can you justify this?” Meanwhile, Abhishek Nayar suggested the real issue wasn’t performance but favoritism—especially given the selection of lower-performing KKR players like Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana under coach Gautam Gambhir.
Selectors’ Standpoint
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the criticism head-on, emphasizing the logic of “limited spots,” and asserting that “neither’s fault” rests on Iyer’s performance—but rather on team balance complexities. He also noted that Iyer simply had no one to replace in the lineup at the moment.
Aakash Chopra’s Perspective
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra fervently backed Iyer’s inclusion, citing his consistency and match-winning form in IPL and the Champions Trophy, especially during the middle overs where he “took the attack to the opposition.”
Tournament Outlook
As defending champions, India enters the Asia Cup with a squad blending experience and dynamic talent. Their campaign kicks off with a match against UAE in Dubai, setting the tone for a series of high-stakes clashes—including familiar rivalries like Pakistan.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion, despite stellar form, has opened conversations on selection transparency. It tests the fine line between raw performance and team strategy. As India battles in the UAE, it’s now about unity, execution, and delivering under pressure—not debates on selection fairness.
Suggested Caption
“India’s Asia Cup squad is out — and it’s full of surprises! From Gill’s return as vice-captain to Bumrah’s comeback and Iyer’s shocking omission, this lineup has everyone talking. What’s your take — fair balance or unfair snub? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️”
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