New Delhi: The stage is set for a blockbuster three weeks of cricketing action as eight teams get ready to battle it out for continental glory in the Asia Cup 2025. The 17th edition of the showpiece event will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28. The tournament will kick off with the clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, while hot favourites and defending champions India will open their campaign on September 10 against the UAE.
The Men in Blue won the 50-over edition in 2023 to claim a record-extending eighth title and enter the tournament two years later as the T20 world champions. The selection committee has named a strong 15-member squad, which will be led by Suryakumar Yadav. With an abundance of talented options on the bench, the team management is certain to face a selection headache in the eight-team T20 tournament.
India have almost all bases covered. In fact, they have a problem of plenty. Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the team as the vice-captain has changed the dynamics completely. His comeback to India’s T20I squad, which came after a prolific batting display in his debut series as Test captain in England, has all but confirmed Sanju Samson’s exit from India’s playing XI in the Asia Cup 2025.
The Kerala batter will most certainly give way to Gill as Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner, and judging by Jitesh Sharma’s extensive batting practice in India’s net sessions in the ICC Academy, the Kerala batter is unlikely to find a place in the middle-order, too.
Grassy Dubai pitch can put India in a selection dilemma?
Sharma, who has been in superb form in the IPL and domestic cricket, is likely to take the finisher’s role in the team. Mumbai Indian batter Tilak Varma is all but certain to take the number three spot, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel.
As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, India bowling coach Morne Morkel said that the pitch at Dubai “had a greenish tinge”.
If reports of a green track in Dubai are true, Shivam Dube might squeeze into the playing XI and pair up with Jitesh in the finisher’s role. If that’s the case, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav might have to wait for his chance. In case it is a typically dry Dubai pitch, Kuldeep will become India’s third spin bowling option at the expense of Dube.
If Kuldeep sits out, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar will perform the spin duties. In the fast bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to make a comeback after a much-needed break, and Arshdeep Singh are likely to be the two frontline pacers for the Men In Blue, while Hardik Pandya and Dube (if selected) will be the two other seam bowling options.
India’s likely XI for Asia Cup 2025 match with UAE: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.