The Asia Cup 2025 represents a crucial chapter for India as they aim to showcase their strength and maintain supremacy in Asian cricket.
The continental tournament starts in September and India will be aiming to reestablish their supremacy, which will be played in a T20 format this year in the UAE. India are grouped with UAE, Oman and arch-rivals Pakistan.
Though the Indian team is expected to be a strong one, India’s wicketkeeping options for Asia Cup 2025 are notably competitive, with multiple talented players vying for limited spots. Among these options are established and promising talents.
It will be a challenge for the selectors to pick the two designated wicketkeeper for Asia Cup, with as many as five names in the race for the role.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant remains India’s premier wicketkeeper-batter known for his explosive batting style and sharp glovework. In recent international performances, including limited overs, Pant has showcased the ability to change the game with quick-fire innings and has a reputation for his fearless approach. Although he is nursing a fractured foot, Pant will be in the running for selection.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan is another strong contender, combining aggressive batting with competent keeping skills. Kishan’s performances in recent domestic T20s and IPL have been impactful, often providing fast starts with a strong strike rate. His flexibility to bat in different positions enhances team balance. He has shown progress in his wicketkeeping consistency, which is crucial in multi-format tournaments. The selectors may favor Kishan for his dual ability to stabilize and accelerate innings as needed.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson, with three T20I centuries, brings substantial batting prowess alongside his wicketkeeping. While his performances have been somewhat inconsistent, his experience and skill set make him a viable option, especially in formats demanding a stable middle order and reliability behind the stumps. The Kerala-born scored some exquisite centuries last year in the T20I format and is surely going to be a part of the team.
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma is relatively less experienced at the international level but has proved his mettle in domestic circuits and IPL as a dependable wicketkeeper and handy batsman. His solid keeping and improving batting make him a promising backup wicketkeeper choice, especially if the team looks to balance youth with security. After a fantastic IPL 2025 campaign with RCB, Sharma is poised to be in the squad.
KL Rahul
Primarily a top-order batsman, KL Rahul has also occasionally taken up wicketkeeping duties. His ability to perform dual roles significantly increases India’s flexibility in team composition. Rahul had a stellar IPL 2025 and then backed that up in the Test format in England. Although it is to be seen if Rahul is named, but the Karnataka player will be one of the names in the race. Given his versatility across formats, Rahul can be a force for team India in the Asia Cup.
Who should be India’s Two Wicketkeepers for Asia Cup 2025? Our Take
Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, while KL Rahul can be in the side as a batter.
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