In a major development ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket selectors are likely to include Shubman Gill while resting Jasprit Bumrah, with Suryakumar Yadav expected to miss out due to form and team balance considerations. The tournament, scheduled in Pakistan and UAE in August-September 2025, will be crucial preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 next year.
Key Highlights
- Shubman Gill set for return after injury layoff
- Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested to manage workload
- Suryakumar Yadav may miss out owing to inconsistent ODI form
- Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson being considered as middle-order options
- Spin department likely to be led by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja
- Team announcement expected by end of July 2025
Likely India Squad For Asia Cup 2025
| Player | Role | Notable Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma (Captain) | Opener | Leading run scorer in IPL 2025 |
| Shubman Gill | Opener | Fit again; scored 187 vs ENG in Feb 2025 |
| Virat Kohli | Top-order batter | Consistent ODI form, avg 53.5 in 2024 |
| KL Rahul (WK) | Middle-order batter, keeper | 85 vs SA, stabilised middle order |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Top/Middle-order batter | Aggressive strike rotation in ODIs |
| Tilak Varma | Middle-order batter | Impressive in Asia Cup T20 2023 |
| Hardik Pandya (VC) | All-rounder | Key finisher, seam bowling option |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder | Spin + batting depth, vital in UAE |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner | Leading ODI spinner since 2023 |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast bowler | Lethal with new ball in Asia |
| Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm fast bowler | Death overs specialist |
| Mukesh Kumar | Fast bowler | Economical spells in recent series |
| Sanju Samson | Backup keeper-batter | Powerful finisher against pace |
| Axar Patel | Spin all-rounder | Backup to Jadeja, control bowler |
| Shardul Thakur | Bowling all-rounder | Wicket-taking ability in middle overs |
Why Is Jasprit Bumrah Being Rested?
Sources indicate that selectors and the BCCI management want to manage Bumrah’s workload ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and the away series in Australia later this year. After returning from injury in 2024, Bumrah has played consistently across formats and IPL seasons, raising workload red flags.
| Year | Matches Played | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 24 | 41 | 21.6 | 30.2 |
| 2024 | 27 | 47 | 19.4 | 28.8 |
| 2025 | 16 | 32 | 20.1 | 29.0 |
The medical team has recommended rotation to keep him fit for major ICC tournaments.
Suryakumar Yadav Likely To Be Dropped
Despite his T20 prowess, Suryakumar Yadav has struggled to cement his place in the ODI squad. His ODI average remains below 27, and selectors are keen to try Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad as dynamic middle-order anchors.
| Player | ODI Matches | Runs | Average | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | 32 | 728 | 26.8 | 4/0 |
| Tilak Varma | 8 | 342 | 42.75 | 3/0 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 10 | 385 | 38.5 | 2/0 |
Middle Order Conundrum
With the absence of Suryakumar Yadav, selectors plan to use:
- KL Rahul as a stabilising middle-order wicketkeeper
- Hardik Pandya as a floater between No.5 and No.7
- Tilak Varma or Ruturaj Gaikwad as left-handed options to counter spin in UAE conditions
Bowling Department Overview
| Bowler | Type | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Siraj | Right-arm fast | Early swing, new ball threat |
| Arshdeep | Left-arm fast | Yorkers, death overs specialist |
| Mukesh Kumar | Right-arm medium-fast | Tight lines, powerplay economy |
| Shardul Thakur | Right-arm medium | Breakthrough bowler, batting depth |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Chinaman | Variations, middle overs control |
| Jadeja | Left-arm orthodox | Accuracy, fielding brilliance |
| Axar Patel | Left-arm orthodox | Containment, batting utility |
Spin Strategy For Asia Cup
Given the spin-friendly UAE pitches, India is likely to play with two spinners and two pacers, with Hardik Pandya or Shardul Thakur as the third seam option. Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket-taking ability in middle overs will be crucial against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
Selectors’ Thought Process
The BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to prioritise:
- Fitness and injury management ahead of ICC tournaments
- Form and recent domestic/international performances
- Squad balance to tackle both spin and pace-heavy attacks
Possible Playing XI For Asia Cup
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad/Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (VC)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mukesh Kumar/Shardul Thakur
Expert Views
- Irfan Pathan: “Smart call to rest Bumrah. He remains India’s most valuable asset ahead of the Champions Trophy.”
- Aakash Chopra: “Suryakumar needs to adapt his ODI approach; it’s different from T20s.”
- Sunil Gavaskar: “Gill’s inclusion strengthens India’s top order with Rohit and Kohli.”
Fan Reactions
Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media:
- @BleedBlue_07: “No Bumrah? Hope they manage him well for Australia series and Champions Trophy.”
- @CricketAnalystIndia: “Happy to see Shubman Gill back. ODI top order needs his consistency.”
- @SKYfanclub: “Sad day for SKY fans. Hope he makes a strong comeback soon.”
Conclusion
As India finalises its Asia Cup 2025 squad, the selectors’ focus on workload management, form, and balanced team combinations is evident. With Gill’s return strengthening the top order, Bumrah’s rest safeguarding his fitness, and Suryakumar Yadav missing out due to ODI form, the Asia Cup will act as a critical rehearsal for India’s plans towards ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Australia tour later this year.
Disclaimer
This news content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional selection advice or official squad confirmation. Readers are advised to await the BCCI’s formal announcement before making conclusions.
