Jaiswal, Iyer snubbed as Agarkar unveils Asia Cup squad

United News of India

11 hours ago

Mumbai, Aug 19 (UNI) As the Asia Cup approaches, India's cricket selectors have unveiled a 15-member squad that promises a blend of aggression, strategy, and youth, offering fans a glimpse of a team both ready for the present and invested in the future.
At the helm is Surya Kumar Yadav, appointed captain, whose calm yet dynamic approach in the middle order is expected to guide India through high-pressure encounters. Shubman Gill, vice-captain and a figure of composure at the top, complements Surya's aggression with stability and tactical clarity.
The batting lineup reads like a well-balanced puzzle. Gill and Tilak Varma are likely to provide solidity at the top, anchoring the innings while the middle order - Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube - brings a mix of experience, finishing prowess, and explosive hitting.
The presence of Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana ensures that India will not run out of options even in crunch situations, giving the team depth and flexibility rarely seen in such tournaments.
Dual wicketkeeping duties by Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson add an intriguing tactical dimension. Jitesh offers reliability and finishing ability, while Samson brings attacking flair, giving the team room to tweak batting positions according to match situations.
The bowling department mirrors the batting unit's versatility. Jasprit Bumrah anchors the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh's swing and death-over acumen. Spin options feature the crafty left-arm of Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy's mystery deliveries, and Kuldeep Yadav's wrist-spin, providing the captain a rich palette to exploit different pitch conditions.
Harshit Rana adds a further pace option, strengthening an already balanced attack.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar framed the Asia Cup as more than a tournament, it is a testing ground ahead of the T20 World Cup.
"This is the first big tournament after the T20 World Cup. Our aim is to give players the best possible opportunity to be in top shape for the World Cup," he said, emphasising the dual purpose of immediate performance and long-term grooming.
On exclusions like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, Agarkar noted, "Selection is about balance and form. One of these talented players was always going to miss out this time."
What stands out is the squad's design for adaptability. Experienced campaigners guide emerging talents like Varma, Rinku, and Abhishek Sharma, giving them exposure to high-pressure continental cricket. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide strategic flexibility, allowing India to adjust both batting and bowling according to opposition and conditions. The team's strengths lie in its depth, variety, and adaptability, while challenges include managing young players under pressure and ensuring the dual-wicketkeeper setup does not disrupt balance.
With stand-by players including Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel, India has a safety net of options to maintain tactical balance. The squad, therefore, is not only designed to contend for Asia Cup glory but also to serve as a stepping stone toward the T20 World Cup, blending immediate ambition with forward-looking strategy.
India Asia Cup 2025 Squad: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
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