India’s cricket fans have been treated to a thrilling update: the 15-member Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has officially been announced, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side and Shubman Gill returning as his deputy. This squad blends experience with emerging talent, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the UAE from September 9 to 28, 2025.
A Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience
India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 reflects a carefully balanced mix of seasoned match-winners and exciting new-age stars. Here’s the full squad:
Indian Cricket Team for Asia Cup 2025:
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Standby players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal
The inclusion of Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, currently the top two ranked T20 batters in the world, adds firepower to India’s batting order. The squad also retains strong finishers like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh, giving India depth in the middle and lower order.
Bowling Attack Led by Bumrah
When it comes to bowling, Jasprit Bumrah will once again spearhead the pace department. Backed by Arshdeep Singh and rising talent Harshit Rana, India’s seam attack looks well-prepared for the fast-paced conditions in the UAE.
The spin unit is equally formidable, featuring Varun Chakravarthy—currently ranked World No. 4 in T20 bowling—alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Together, they give India the variety needed to adapt to different pitches, from the dry Abu Dhabi tracks to the more batting-friendly Dubai surfaces.
Tournament Format & Key Fixtures
The Asia Cup 2025 is the 17th edition of the tournament and will be played in the T20 International (T20I) format, continuing the tradition of alternating between ODIs and T20Is since 2016.
- Tournament Dates: September 9 – 28, 2025
- Venue: United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi)
- Format: T20 International
- Teams: 8 teams divided into 2 groups
India’s campaign begins on September 10 against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Stadium. The biggest group-stage showdown will follow on September 14, when India faces arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be one of the most-watched matches of the year.
India’s Glorious Asia Cup Record
India comes into the 2025 tournament as the reigning Asia Cup champions, having lifted the title in 2023. With eight Asia Cup victories, India is the most successful team in the history of the competition.
Interestingly, the last time the Asia Cup was played in the T20 format (2022), Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the final. That sets up an intriguing storyline: can India defend their crown and reclaim dominance in the shortest format of the game?
Why Asia Cup 2025 Matters for Team India
Beyond regional supremacy, the Asia Cup 2025 will be India’s only multi-team tournament before the 2026 T20 World Cup. That makes it a golden opportunity for Suryakumar Yadav and coach Rahul Dravid to test combinations, solidify the batting order, and sharpen strategies against top-quality opposition.
With fresh leadership, young stars in form, and experienced stalwarts holding the core, the Asia Cup 2025 could become a defining moment for Indian cricket’s T20 journey.
Final Thoughts
The Asia Cup 2025 promises drama, rivalries, and high-octane cricket. With Suryakumar Yadav at the helm, Shubman Gill as deputy, and Bumrah leading the bowling, India’s squad looks well-rounded and battle-ready. As the countdown begins, fans will be eager to see whether India’s blend of youthful flair and proven experience can deliver another Asia Cup title and set the tone for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
