Shubman Gill Returns, Bumrah Rested for Asia Cup 2025

Cricket fans across the subcontinent can finally rejoice—after months of speculation and political hurdles, the Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place. With the BCCI officially giving the green signal during the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) AGM in Dhaka, the tournament is back on track, and India is gearing up for it with a revamped squad that balances youth and experience. However, notable developments like Shubman Gill’s return, Jasprit Bumrah’s likely absence, and Suryakumar Yadav’s injury make the selection all the more intriguing.

Let’s take a deep dive into India’s likely squad for the Asia Cup 2025 and analyze what each player brings to the table ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

✅ Tournament Overview: A Long-Awaited Confirmation

The Asia Cup had been shrouded in uncertainty following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the Pahalgam attack. Calls to boycott Pakistan had grown louder, threatening the financial ecosystem of the ACC and ICC. Fortunately, both the BCCI and PCB have found a middle ground. Though India retains hosting rights, the tournament is expected to be shifted to the UAE or Abu Dhabi for security and neutrality reasons.

With the competition just months before the T20 World Cup 2026, the Asia Cup becomes a vital dress rehearsal for the Indian squad.

🔍 Why Jasprit Bumrah Might Miss the Asia Cup

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead in white-ball formats, is unlikely to be part of the Asia Cup. While not officially ruled out, the selectors are expected to rest him to manage workload and ensure peak fitness for the T20 World Cup.

Bumrah’s absence opens the door for young and aggressive pacers to step up in continental competition.

❌ Suryakumar Yadav Ruled Out – A Major Blow

India’s T20I captain and one of the format’s most consistent performers, Suryakumar Yadav, is likely to miss the Asia Cup due to a recent sports hernia surgery. This injury comes as a blow to the team’s leadership group and middle-order stability.

With SKY out, Hardik Pandya is the frontrunner to captain the squad. The all-rounder brings experience, aggression, and a cool head in pressure situations.

✅ Shubman Gill Returns – A Strategic Re-Entry

Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I squad marks a strategic move with the future in mind. Though his T20 record isn’t as explosive as his ODI performances, Gill is seen as a long-term asset, particularly with the 2026 World Cup approaching. His presence adds technical stability and flair to the top order.

🇮🇳 India’s Likely Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Here’s the projected 15-member squad:

1. Hardik Pandya (Captain)
2. Shubman Gill
3. Sanju Samson (WK)
4. Abhishek Sharma
5. Shreyas Iyer
6. Tilak Varma
7. Rinku Singh
8. Dhruv Jurel (WK)
9. Axar Patel (Vice-Captain)
10. Washington Sundar
11. Arshdeep Singh
12. Mohammed Siraj
13. Harshit Rana / Yash Dayal / Prasidh Krishna
14. Kuldeep Yadav
15. Varun Chakravarthy

🧢 Batting Core: Youth Meets Consistency

Sanju Samson

With Rishabh Pant still not fully fit for consistent T20 action, Sanju Samson will be India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter. His aggressive approach and versatility make him a valuable asset.

Abhishek Sharma

The left-handed opener has shown explosive potential in the IPL and domestic circuit. If he gets going, he can change the game within the powerplay.

Shreyas Iyer & Tilak Varma

Both Iyer and Tilak bring solid middle-order experience. Iyer’s calm presence and Tilak’s adaptability make them reliable No. 4 and 5 options.

Rinku Singh

Known for his finishing prowess and calm nerves under pressure, Rinku is India’s go-to man for death-over fireworks.

Dhruv Jurel

A rising star in Indian cricket, Jurel offers wicketkeeping backup and depth in the lower-middle order.

🏏 All-Round Options: Axar & Sundar

Axar Patel has emerged as a core figure in the team. As vice-captain and lead all-rounder, his dual utility with bat and ball makes him indispensable.

Washington Sundar, a technically sound batter and intelligent off-spinner, provides balance, especially on slow UAE tracks.

🔥 Pace Attack Without Bumrah: Young Guns Take Over

With Bumrah resting, the responsibility falls on:

• Arshdeep Singh: Known for his death-over accuracy.

• Mohammed Siraj: Brings aggression and seam movement.

• Harshit Rana/Yash Dayal/Prasidh Krishna: One of these youngsters will be picked based on IPL and domestic performance. Harshit’s raw pace, Dayal’s control, or Prasidh’s bounce—each offers unique strengths.

🌀 Spin Department: Kuldeep & Varun Lead

Kuldeep Yadav’s resurgence in white-ball formats continues. His left-arm wrist spin is deadly, especially in the middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner, will complement him well, especially on UAE’s turning tracks.

🏆 Strategy and Expectations

The Asia Cup 2025 is more than just a trophy hunt—it’s a crucial testing ground before the global stage. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting newcomers, the BCCI is expected to treat this tournament with the seriousness it deserves.

Key strategic priorities:

• Form building for T20 World Cup

• Leadership grooming in SKY’s absence

• Testing bench strength and backup combinations

• Identifying ideal batting order and death bowling pairs

📊 Final Thoughts

The Asia Cup 2025 presents a unique challenge and opportunity for Team India. While the absence of players like Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav may seem like setbacks, they pave the way for new heroes to emerge.

With Hardik Pandya leading the charge and the likes of Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel forming the team’s spine, the Men in Blue are still strong contenders. As always, expectations are sky-high, and fans will be hoping that India uses this tournament to fine-tune its strategy and reclaim the Asia Cup title.