After nearly six weeks of breathtaking red-ball action, Team India stars will be on a one-month break before switching focus to white-ball cricket for the Asia Cup next month. Plenty of T20I stars who
have been away from the limelight since the conclusion of IPL 2025 will be back in the spotlight when the continental tournament gets underway in the UAE from September 9. The Indian selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is reportedly set to meet in the third week of August to finalise the squad.
While the T20I regulars will keep their spots, a couple of names could get a look-in following their eye-catching performances in the IPL 2025. India last played a T20I in January-February this year when they hosted England for a five-match series which the Suryakumar Yadav-led side won 4-1.
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have been opening for India in the format for some time now and should keep their spots with captain Suryakumar following at no. 3.
Tilak Varma, currently playing county cricket in England, will continue to be part of the middle-order that also comprises star allrounder Hardik Pandya followed by Rinku Singh and Axar Patel.
Kuldeep Yadav warmed the benches on the England tour but given the Asia Cup is set to be held in UAE where conditions are likely to favour spin bowling, he might be recalled for T20Is.
Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh are automatic choices while Harshit Rana may also get a look-in.
Krishna To Be Recalled?
Krishna had a mixed tour of England as his tour began with unremarkable performances before he stepped up towards the end of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, playing a key role in the series ending two-all. However, one would do well to remember that Krishna won Purple Cap in IPL 2025. He took 25 wickets at an economy of 8.27 for Gujarat Titans.
Shami To be Ignored?
Mohammed Shami was snubbed for the England tour with Agarkar explaining the veteran star hadn’t attained fitness to go through the rigours of Test cricket. Shami made his international comeback during the England T20I series earlier this year. However, he had a forgettable IPL managing six wickets from 9 games at an economy of 11.23.
What About Gill, Siraj And Bumrah?
Shubman Gill is in prime form. He scored 650 runs in IPL 2025 – the fourth-highest of the season. He carried his form into red-ball cricket too, finishing with 754 runs in five Tests against England. The Test captain will have rested enough to merit a look-in but given that short turnaround between Asia Cup and start of West Indies Tests, he might skip the tournament.
Likewise, Siraj, the highest wicket-taker of the England tour, should also be rested for the same reason.
On the other hand, Bumrah remains a big if.
Why?
Because there are unconfirmed reports that he has picked up a knee injury and given his fitness history, will the team risk him? Should he have no such concerns, then he should be part of the squad. If he doesn’t make it, then Harshit Rana walks in.
Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy are also recovering from injuries and may not be considered.
Krunal: Wildcard Entry?
The allrounder was key to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL triumph. However, his last T20I appearance was in 2021. He hasn’t played for India in over four years now. Could the selectors reward him for a productive IPL season?
India’s Likely Squad For Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah/Harshit Rana, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jitesh Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, Krunal Pandya
