India’s white-ball specialists will return to action next month with the Asia Cup in UAE. Speculations are rife over the squad composition with the continental tournament set to be played in T20 format.
Given the recent form of the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, there have been conflicting reports about the trio being either ignored or selected for the competition.
As per a latest report, the selection committee is unlikely to consider either of the three for the Asia Cup that starts from September 9. The team management is aiming to stick with the tried and tested combination meaning there’s little room for Gill, Jaiswal and Iyer to be included.
While Suryakumar Yadav has been leading the T20I team for some time now, it has been widely reported that thanks to the success Shubman Gill had on England tour, he has become a strong candidate to take over the reins in the shortest format as well.
“…with India looking to persist with the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, Gill is currently struggling to even make it to the side,” The Times of India quoted a source as saying.
Despite their productive outings in IPL 2025, neither Jaiswal nor Iyer will be part of the Asia Cup squad.
Iyer had a terrific IPL with Punjab Kings as he led them to a runners-up finish after joining the franchise at the mega auctions last year. He was in prime form with the bat, hitting 604 runs at a strike-rate of 175.07. On the other hand, opening for Rajasthan Royals, Jaiswal made 559 runs at a strike-rate of 159.71.
“Even Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a great series in England, and middle-order bat Shreyas Iyer are likely not to be picked for the T20 side. Jaiswal has been told by the selectors to focus on red-ball cricket,” the source claimed.
The squad will reportedly be picked on August 19 during a meeting in Mumbai followed by a press conference to be attended by chief of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
