Preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 are in full swing, and Indian cricket fans are now eyeing the team announcement on August 19 in Mumbai. The selectors are reposing faith in the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, who has been practicing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after recovering from recent sports hernia surgery. His return to the nets is a sign that he is ready to lead in the tournament, but in the meantime, it may be difficult for some big players to find a place. India's T20 cricket depth is so rich that many veterans may have to sit out.
Tough competition in selection
The opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have caught the attention of the selectors with recent performances in the last year or so. Both have made a strong claim in the T20 format with their aggressive batting. The plan is to retain this pair, due to which a player like the Indian Test captain, Shubman Gill will be struggling to find a place in the team.
Gill, who has performed brilliantly as captain in Test cricket, has not been able to secure his place in T20. On the other hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who performed impressively on the England tour, has been advised by the selectors to focus on Test cricket. Shreyas Iyer, who is an experienced middle-order batsman in ODI's, may also be overlooked as the selectors are working on a new strategy.
Future strategy and tournament start
Asia Cup 2025 is the first step for India in preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, which will start in the UAE from September 9, will give India a chance to test their bench strength. India will play their first match against UAE on September 10, while the much-awaited clash with Pakistan will take place on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will announce the team in a press conference on August 19. The tournament will not only test India's T20 strength but will also give future stars a chance to shine.
“In fact, 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. 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,” a source revealed.
