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STUMP VISION AUGUST 29, 2025 | The Indian Eye 48

ASIA CUP 2025

Surya to Lead as Gill Returns

as Vice-Captain; Iyer, Jaiswal Miss Out

in Big Selection Calls

India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has been announced, sparking celebration for some and disappointment
for others as selectors balanced form, leadership and conditions in making their picks.

OUR BUREAU

Mumbai
ndia will enter the continental tournament with
Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman
IGill as vice-captain, signaling continuity after
last year’s T20 World Cup triumph. The 15-mem-
ber squad unveiled in Mumbai features a mix of
established performers and rising stars, but the
absence of two prolific batters — Shreyas Iyer and
Yashasvi Jaiswal — has stirred debate.
For Gill, the call-up marks a return to T20Is
after more than a year, now with the added respon-
sibility of vice-captain. His stellar form in Tests and
IPL — where he piled up 650 runs for Gujarat
Titans — made his inclusion inevitable. Chief se-
lector Ajit Agarkar said Gill’s “leadership qualities
and form in England exceeded expectations,” justi-
fying his elevation.
The squad also boasts firepower up top with
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and
Gill in contention to open alongside skipper Surya.
Tilak has cemented himself as a reliable No. 3 with
an average above 55 in 13 T20Is. Samson, rejuve-
nated as a T20I opener with three centuries this
year, will share wicketkeeping duties with Jitesh
Sharma.
All-round strength remains a hallmark. Har-
dik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide big-hitting India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar during a press conference ahead of Asia Cup 2025,
options, while Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma in Mumbai on Tuesday (ANI Photo)
bring spin depth. In the lower order, Rinku Singh
is seen as the designated finisher.
The bowling attack looks formidable. Jasprit job.” On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: “Look combinations once the tournament begins. Axar
Bumrah’s return to T20Is after his heroics in the at Shreyas Iyer’s credentials. He won the Champi- Patel, who briefly served as vice-captain, was de-
World Cup final is a major boost. Alongside him ons Trophy for you, had his best IPL season, and moted to accommodate Gill’s rise.
are Arshdeep Singh and youngster Harshit Rana. took Punjab to the final. I am extremely sad for India begin their campaign against the UAE
Spin will be marshalled by Kuldeep Yadav and Var- him and for Jaiswal, who is also in cracking form.” on September 10, followed by the marquee clash
un Chakravarthy, the latter in blistering form with Jaiswal, who was Rohit Sharma and Virat against Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. Their
33 wickets in 18 T20Is since his comeback. Kohli’s backup at the last T20 World Cup, had been last group match is against Oman on September
The biggest talking point has been the exclu- widely expected to feature in the XI. His omission 19. The Super 4 stage runs from September 20 to
sion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the from the core squad despite his strike rate of 164 in 26, with the final scheduled for September 28 in
main squad. Both enjoyed outstanding IPL 2025 T20Is left fans and experts puzzled. Dubai.
seasons — Iyer with 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 Despite the controversies, the squad presents
for Punjab Kings, and Jaiswal with 559 runs for Ra- BALANCING ACT FOR SELECTORS a blend of experience, youth, and versatility, re-
jasthan Royals. While Jaiswal finds a place in the flecting India’s enviable bench strength. For those
reserves, Iyer misses out altogether despite leading garkar explained that the final eleven would included, it is a chance to extend India’s winning
PBKS to their first IPL final in over a decade. depend on conditions in Dubai and Abu run post-World Cup. For those excluded, it is an-
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voiced ADhabi. With multiple in-form openers, India other reminder of the fierce competition for places
his disappointment, calling selection “a thankless has “good options” and the think tank will decide in Indian cricket.

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