India’s Asia Cup Squad Race Heats Up, Big Stars In Danger!

New Delhi:

The Indian cricket team’s next major challenge after a memorable England tour will be the Asia Cup. According to a report by news agency PTI, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to announce the squad on August 19 or 20, depending on when the Sports Science team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) submits the medical fitness bulletin for all players. This includes skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who has already resumed batting practice at the nets in Bengaluru.

🚨 TEAM INDIA ASIA CUP UPDATES 🚨 [PTI]

– Abhishek, Sanju, Tilak, Surya, Hardik set to continue as Top 5.
– Bumrah set to play in the tournament.
– Jitesh or Jurel as 2nd Wicket keeper batter.
– Axar & Gill in the race for Vice Captaincy spot. pic.twitter.com/jsqXvqFZei

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 11, 2025

Top-Order Dilemma

The selection committee is unlikely to make major changes to the current set-up, with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya forming a strong top five.

A senior BCCI source told PTI:

“Abhishek Sharma is the world’s No. 1 T20 batter in the latest ICC rankings. Sanju Samson had a fantastic season with both bat and gloves. Shubman Gill, despite his form being more prominent in Tests, also had a good IPL. The problem is, there are too many in-form players at the top of the order.”

Due to this crowding in the top-order, it will be challenging to find space for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan.

Wicketkeeper Choices

With KL Rahul unlikely to be considered as he does not bat in the middle order Sanju Samson is expected to be the first-choice wicketkeeper. The second wicketkeeper’s spot will be contested between Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel.

Dhruv Jurel featured in the last T20 series.
Jitesh Sharma impressed during RCB’s IPL-winning campaign and has shown strong finishing abilities.

All-Rounder Updates

Hardik Pandya remains India’s first-choice seam-bowling all-rounder.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, injured during the England series, is unlikely to recover in time.
Shivam Dube, who had a solid comeback against England, is expected to be part of the squad.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will likely serve as spin-bowling all-rounders.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Unlikely To Feature In VHT Despite BCCI Mandate,Here’s Why

Bowling Attack

In the seam department, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh have secured their places. The third pacer’s slot will be a choice between Prasidh Krishna who picked 25 wickets in the last IPL and Harshit Rana, known for his ability to deliver heavy balls.