The Asia Cup 2025, set to commence on September 9 in the UAE, is poised to be a thrilling T20 spectacle, with India facing high expectations as defending
champions.
The tournament, featuring intense clashes like India vs. Pakistan on September 14, will test the team's depth, especially with reports indicating that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the event due to workload management or a possible knee injury.
With Bumrah poised to be sidelined, the responsibility of spearheading the pace unit falls on a mix of experienced and emerging talents.
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj, a seasoned campaigner, is the frontrunner to lead the attack, provided he recovers fully from his ongoing injury concerns. Siraj's ability to swing the ball and deliver in crunch moments makes him a natural choice, as the India pacer showcased his might in the recently concluded England series.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh, a reliable left-arm pacer, is another strong contender. Known for his pinpoint yorkers and new-ball swing, Arshdeep has proven his mettle in T20Is and is expected to take on a more prominent role. His experience in high-pressure games, including the T20 World Cup 2024, positions him as a key figure.
Other Options
Emerging pacer Harshit Rana is a name generating buzz. The young fast bowler, who impressed in the IPL 2025 with Kolkata Knight Riders, brings raw pace and wicket-taking ability. His potential debut in the Asia Cup could see him step up as a surprise leader, especially if Shami's recovery falters. Prasidh Krishna, another promising talent, adds depth with his IPL 2025 Purple Cap-winning performance (25 wickets for Gujarat Titans). Akash Deep also had a decent outing for India in the England Tests and can be among the contenders for a place.
As the Indian team takes field in UAE for the continental tournament, Bumrah will be a big miss if the premier pacer is unable for selection. But in the recent weeks, the pace bowling unit has often thrived without Bumrah, which is definitely a welcome sign for the selectors. In England, the two Tests India won came without Bumrah, while the two which they lost featured Bumrah. Although this has nothing to do with the star bowler, the upward graph of the team without their talismanic pacer is a key substance to bank on for Gautam Gambhir and co.
