Asia Cup 2025: India’s Schedule, Squad, and Key Talking Points
- googlyguide
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 7
India is set to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with high expectations after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024. This will be India’s first multinational tournament as world champions, and it comes with added importance as the team looks to build a core for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in India itself.
But the big question is:
Can India carry forward their T20 World Cup momentum and dominate the Asia Cup too?
Let’s break down the Asia Cup 2025 schedule, the Asia Cup Indian cricket team squad, and the probable playing XI.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
Sep 10, Wed – India vs UAE | Dubai | ⏱ 2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM Local / 7:30 PM IST
Sep 14, Sun – India vs Pakistan | Dubai | ⏱ 2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM Local / 7:30 PM IST
Sep 19, Fri – India vs Oman | Abu Dhabi | ⏱ 2:00 PM GMT / 6:00 PM Local / 7:30 PM IST
👉 Which of these India matches are you most excited for? The India vs Pakistan clash is the obvious blockbuster, but could UAE or Oman spring a surprise?
India’s 15-Member Squad
Batters
Shubman Gill (vc)
Rinku Singh
Suryakumar Yadav (c)
Tilak Varma
All-rounders
Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube
Abhishek Sharma
Axar Patel
Wicketkeepers
Sanju Samson
Jitesh Sharma
Bowlers
Harshit Rana
Jasprit Bumrah
Arshdeep Singh
Varun Chakaravarthy
Kuldeep Yadav
This Asia Cup Indian cricket team squad blends experience with youthful energy, setting the stage for India’s future.
Key Talking Points
Building for the Future
With the T20 World Cup 2026 at home, selectors are clearly eyeing a fresh core—giving youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana exposure, while still banking on leaders like Bumrah, Hardik, and SKY.
Surprising Omissions
The absence of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal raised eyebrows. Both had excellent IPL seasons, so were you also expecting them in the squad?
Pant vs Jitesh Sharma
With Rishabh Pant injured on the England tour, Jitesh Sharma has been trusted as backup keeper. Will this gamble pay off in crunch games?
Who Will Open With Abhishek Sharma?
The opening combination seems clear now:
Shubman Gill, as Vice-Captain, is set to open throughout the tournament. His calm and steady approach balances Abhishek’s attacking flair.
Sanju Samson will instead play as the primary wicketkeeper, sliding into the middle order (No. 5 or 6) to provide both stability and finishing power.
👉 Do you think Samson’s aggressive batting is better suited to the middle order, or should he continue opening like he did after the T20 World Cup 2024?
Probable Playing XI
Abhishek Sharma (Opener)
Shubman Gill (vc, Opener)
Suryakumar Yadav (c)
Tilak Varma
Sanju Samson (wk)
Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav / Varun Chakaravarthy
Arshdeep Singh
Jasprit Bumrah
Bench Strength
Rinku Singh – India’s designated finisher, waiting for his chance.
Jitesh Sharma – Backup wicketkeeper who adds firepower.
Harshit Rana – Young pacer with raw pace; could be rotated in.
This gives India depth in every department and plenty of options heading into the Asia Cup 2025 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
India entered the Asia Cup as defending T20 World Cup 2024 champions, but this tournament is about more than just winning. It’s about testing youngsters, fixing roles, and finding the right XI for the road to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
So, fans—what do you think? Should Gill and Abhishek remain India’s fixed opening pair, or should Samson be given another chance at the top?
👉 For more updates, analysis, and predictions on Indian cricket, keep following Googly Guide—your home for cricket insights!
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