India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is all set to take the field in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will be staged in the UAE from September 9 to 28.
The T20I tournament will see eight teams-India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman-competing for the continental crown across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
As per a PTI report on Monday (August 11), the 31-year-old Ahmedabad-born fast bowler will be part of India's campaign in the Asia Cup but could be given a break for the opening Test against the West Indies in October. The first game of the two-match Test series will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, from October 2 to 6.
Bumrah, India's fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, last featured in the shortest format during the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup against South Africa. In that match at Kensington Oval, Barbados, the right-arm pacer delivered a masterclass-claiming two wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs-helping India lift the trophy. Over his T20I career so far, Bumrah has bagged 89 wickets in 70 appearances.
For the Asia Cup 2025, India will kick off their Group A campaign against hosts UAE in Dubai on September 10, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan at the same venue on September 14. Their final group match will be in Abu Dhabi against Oman on September 18.
The Indian squad for the tournament is expected to be finalised around August 19 or 20. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel will take a call once the Centre of Excellence's Sports Science team submits the latest fitness and medical updates on all players. This includes captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has already resumed batting practice in Bengaluru.
While some tough calls could be on the horizon, selectors are reportedly inclined to stick with the core group that has delivered consistent results since Suryakumar assumed T20I leadership. The aim will be to maintain the winning formula while ensuring key players like Bumrah are managed carefully ahead of the packed cricket calendar.
