India Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Key Selection Dilemmas for BCCI Ahead of T20 World Cup

As the dust settles on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, all eyes now turn to white-ball cricket. With the Asia Cup 2025 set to begin on September 9 in the UAE, the BCCI is expected to announce the Indian squad by mid-August. The tournament also serves as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup 2026, giving selectors five crucial months to finalise the ideal combination. But the big names missing and a glut of emerging talent have thrown up several tough questions.

Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja Exit Opens Doors

This will be India’s first major T20I tournament without Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom have retired from the shortest format. Under Gautam Gambhir’s guidance, India have played aggressive, high-risk cricket, winning 12 out of their last 15 T20Is with a striking run rate of 10.28.

Now, with Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel eyeing consistency and performance, here's a look at some of the toughest calls they’ll need to make:

1. Who Will Captain if Suryakumar Yadav Misses Out?

SKY, the current T20I captain, is recovering from sports hernia surgery. If he doesn't recover in time, vice-captain Shubman Gill is expected to step in. While Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya have both led in the past, Gill holds the official white-ball vice-captaincy and is the frontrunner to lead if needed.

2. Sai Sudharsan vs Abhishek Sharma for Top Order Spot

Sai Sudharsan, the IPL 2025 Orange Cap holder with 759 runs, is a strong contender for a recall. However, India’s top-order is already crowded with Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson.

Despite a lukewarm IPL season, Abhishek Sharma has impressed as an opener, likely retaining his place. That puts pressure on either Samson or Jaiswal, the latter scoring 559 runs at a strike rate of 159.71 in IPL 2025.

3. Sanju Samson – In or Out?

Samson's form and fitness remain question marks. Despite missing many IPL matches due to injury, he scored 285 runs at an average of 35.62. While his strike rate (140.39) was decent, inconsistency continues to haunt him. Over the past 24 months, Samson has scored 3 centuries but also 5 ducks and multiple low scores in 21 T20I innings.

4. Who Takes the Wicketkeeper Spot?

India’s depth in wicketkeeping is unmatched, with names like Jitesh Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan, Prabhsimran Singh, along with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, all in the mix.

While Samson and Prabhsimran offer top-order value, Jitesh Sharma’s explosive hitting at No. 6/7 (SR: 190.38) makes him a strong finisher, a role India previously entrusted to Dinesh Karthik.

Wicketkeeper Stats (T20s last 12 months):

Jitesh Sharma: 396 runs | SR 190.38 | Avg 36

Samson: 838 runs | SR 160.84 | Avg 34.91

Pant: 269 runs | SR 133.16 | Avg 24.45

KL Rahul: 539 runs | SR 149.72 | Avg 53.9

5. KL Rahul & Rishabh Pant – Do They Still Fit In?

Both players come with experience, but competition and role clarity are issues. KL Rahul’s return to T20Is hinges on whether the selectors are ready to tweak the top order. Meanwhile, Pant’s 118-run knock in IPL 2025 was a highlight, but his overall form was underwhelming, averaging below 15 outside that one innings.

6. Shreyas Iyer vs Tilak Varma for Middle Order Slot

Shreyas Iyer made a compelling case in IPL 2025, amassing 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07, leading Punjab Kings to the final. Over the past year, he has scored 949 runs in T20s at an average of 49.94 and SR of 179.73.

But to fit him in, Tilak Varma may have to sit out. Tilak has 3 tons and 5 fifties in 32 innings and provides handy off-spin — a factor that may tilt the balance in his favour.

7. All-Rounder Options Beyond Hardik and Axar

While Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are certainties, the selectors might consider Washington Sundar for spin-friendly UAE conditions. If fit, Nitish Kumar Reddy could also return as a seam-bowling all-rounder, offering balance and depth.

Final Thoughts

With Asia Cup 2025 just a month away, the selectors are facing a complex puzzle. Balancing experience with emerging talent, rewarding form while maintaining squad balance — every decision will have a direct impact on India’s T20 World Cup 2026 roadmap.