India has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE, bringing back top-order batter Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer have been excluded, as the team focuses on balance and form ahead of high-stakes clashes against UAE and Pakistan.
India has finalized its squad for next month’s Asia Cup, to be held in the United Arab Emirates, with key inclusions and notable omissions grabbing attention. Leading the squad is T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, who will be supported by returning top-order batter Shubman Gill and experienced fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Gill, who last played a T20 International in July of the previous year, re-enters the format after focusing on Test cricket and the Champions Trophy. Speaking about the selection, Suryakumar said, “That’s where we started a new cycle. He got busy with Tests and didn’t get a chance in T20s, but we’re happy to have him back.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion also marks a significant return, though his workload management remains a priority. Bumrah featured in three of the five Tests in England earlier this year, prompting cautious handling by team management.
Meanwhile, promising young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been left out, despite a strong showing over the past year. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar attributed the decision to tough competition, especially with the presence of Abhishek Sharma, who offers an additional bowling option.
“It’s unfortunate for Yashasvi. With Abhishek’s recent performances and his bowling utility, it became a tough call,” Agarkar stated.
The team features three opening options—Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson. Samson and Jitesh Sharma will serve as the two designated wicketkeepers, while spin duties will be handled by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
India is set to kick off its Group A campaign against hosts UAE in Dubai, followed by a much-anticipated match against rivals Pakistan at the same venue four days later.
🇮🇳 Full Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson
