Shubman Gill makes a triumphant return to India’s T20I squad and steps straight into a leadership role as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. The 25-year-old opener, who missed the recent T20I series against England, has been reinstated after a stellar IPL 2025 season. He joins Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as the three primary openers in the 15-man squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer have been omitted, while Jitesh Sharma secures the second wicketkeeper spot.
Asia Cup Squad
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Standby Players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Gill’s T20I spot had come under scrutiny following impressive performances by Samson and Abhishek across series against Bangladesh, South Africa, and England. However, his standout IPL 2025 with Gujarat Titans—scoring 650 runs at a strike rate of 155.87 and guiding the team to the playoffs—cemented his recall. His recent leadership stint, overseeing India’s drawn Test series in England, further justifies his appointment as Suryakumar’s deputy. For more on IPL performances, visit our IPL 2025 highlights.
Jasprit Bumrah also makes a comeback, replacing Mohammed Shami and bolstering the pace attack. The Player of the Series from last year’s T20 World Cup, Bumrah joins Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Hardik Pandya in the fast-bowling lineup. The spin department features Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel, with Abhishek Sharma providing part-time spin support. This selection indicates a potential shift, with one fewer all-rounder likely in the playing XI.
Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Dhruv Jurel, who featured in the England series earlier this year, miss out, while Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh retain their places. This adjustment reflects a strategic focus on batting depth and spin versatility, aligning with the UAE’s conditions for the Asia Cup. For squad analysis, check our cricket team breakdowns.
India, boasting eight Asia Cup titles, kicks off their campaign against UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10, 2025. The squad’s balance, blending experience with emerging talent, aims to reclaim the title after a runner-up finish in 2022. Stay tuned for more updates on our live cricket news.
India, eight-time Asia Cup champions, open their campaign against UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10.