Asia Cup 2025: Jasprit Bumrah Returns as India Announce 15-Man Squad
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, which will take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the team and Shubman Gill as his deputy, India will look to extend their dominance in the continental tournament and aim for a record-extending ninth Asia Cup title.
The announcement sparked excitement as well as debate, especially due to Jasprit Bumrah’s much-awaited return to T20I cricket and the omission of Shreyas Iyer, despite his stellar IPL 2025 season.
Tournament Overview: Asia Cup 2025 Dates & Venue
-
Dates: September 9 – September 28, 2025
-
Host Nation: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
-
Format: T20I
-
India’s Opening Match: vs UAE on September 10
-
Big Clash: vs Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium
India, the eight-time champions, are entering the tournament as defending champions after their success in 2023.
Captaincy Choice: Suryakumar Yadav to Lead India
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli no longer part of India’s T20I setup, Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) has emerged as the new leader. Known for his fearless batting and aggressive intent, SKY’s appointment as captain reflects India’s commitment to a modern, attacking brand of cricket.
Vice-Captaincy Role: Shubman Gill’s Growing Influence
Shubman Gill, at just 26, has already established himself as one of India’s premier all-format batters. His elevation to vice-captain highlights the selectors’ long-term vision. Gill’s consistency and calmness make him a perfect deputy to SKY.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Return to T20I Cricket
Bumrah’s Break After 2024 T20 World Cup
Bumrah last played for India during the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Since then, he had been carefully managed due to his history of injuries.
Fitness & Workload Concerns
Bumrah missed two Tests against England earlier this year, leading to criticism from fans and experts who accused him of “picking and choosing” matches.
Agarkar’s Clarification
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed Bumrah’s return:
“Clearly, we want him available for all the big games… Because he’s picked up injuries over the last 2-3 years, it won’t change. Based on how he’s feeling and how we require him, we hope he’s available more often than not.”
This statement reassured fans that Bumrah remains India’s strike weapon, especially for high-pressure matches.
India’s Bowling Attack for Asia Cup 2025
Pace Unit
-
Jasprit Bumrah (leader of the attack)
-
Arshdeep Singh (left-arm variation)
-
Harshit Rana (new inclusion with raw pace)
All-Round Depth
-
Hardik Pandya (key finisher & seam option)
-
Shivam Dube (provides muscle in middle order + seam backup)
Spin Department
-
Kuldeep Yadav (wrist-spin)
-
Varun Chakravarthy (mystery spin)
-
Axar Patel (all-rounder with control)
India’s attack offers balance between pace and spin, with Bumrah’s presence giving the team a psychological edge.
Middle Order Competition: Why Shreyas Iyer Missed Out
Shreyas Iyer’s snub was one of the biggest surprises. He scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025, leading Punjab Kings to the final.
Agarkar’s Explanation
“No fault of his. Got to tell me who he can replace? At the moment, will have to wait for his chance.”
Abhishek Sharma’s Advantage
Abhishek’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a better fit for squad balance.
Rinku Singh’s Role
The selectors also prioritized Rinku Singh’s finishing ability, which has been crucial in India’s T20 success.
Wicketkeeping Options: Samson vs Jitesh
-
Sanju Samson offers experience and versatility.
-
Jitesh Sharma provides explosive finishing at the death.
The presence of two keepers gives India tactical flexibility.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures
-
India vs UAE – September 10, 2025 (Dubai)
-
India vs Pakistan – September 14, 2025 (Dubai)
-
Super Four Stage – Depending on qualification
-
Final – September 28, 2025
Key Players to Watch Out For
-
Suryakumar Yadav – Captain & batting innovator
-
Shubman Gill – Anchor and vice-captain
-
Jasprit Bumrah – India’s pace spearhead
-
Rinku Singh – Finishing specialist
Ajit Agarkar’s Take on Squad Balance
Agarkar emphasized that picking a 15-member squad was tough. He mentioned that while players like Washington Sundar and Shreyas Iyer are unlucky to miss out, India prioritized all-round options and batting depth.
India’s Bench Strength & Reserves
Reserves List
-
Prasidh Krishna
-
Washington Sundar
-
Riyan Parag
-
Dhruv Jurel
-
Yashasvi Jaiswal
This strong bench reflects India’s depth, ensuring quality replacements if needed.
Fan & Expert Reactions to Squad Selection
-
Fans: Divided over Iyer’s exclusion but thrilled about Bumrah’s return.
-
Experts: Applauded selectors for picking a balanced squad with both youth and experience.
India’s Chances of Winning the Asia Cup 2025
With a fearless batting lineup, Bumrah’s return, and SKY’s leadership, India enter the tournament as favorites. Their biggest challenge will be Pakistan’s pace attack and Sri Lanka’s spinners in UAE conditions.
Conclusion
India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad represents a bold and balanced approach. The return of Jasprit Bumrah adds firepower, while Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership signals a new era in Indian cricket. Although Shreyas Iyer’s omission sparked debate, the squad looks well-prepared to challenge for their ninth Asia Cup title.
FAQs
Q1. Why was Shreyas Iyer not selected for Asia Cup 2025?
A1. Despite excellent IPL form, Ajit Agarkar said there was no place for him due to strong middle-order options like Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh.
Q2. Who is India’s captain for Asia Cup 2025?
A2. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain.
Q3. When is India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?
A3. The high-voltage clash will be on September 14, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium.
Q4. Is Jasprit Bumrah fully fit for Asia Cup 2025?
A4. Yes, Bumrah has recovered and expressed his readiness to play. The selectors confirmed he will be managed carefully but is expected to feature in all big matches.
Q5. Who are India’s reserves for the Asia Cup 2025?
A5. The reserves are Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
