As the countdown begins for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, the Indian selection committee faces one of its toughest calls in recent years. With the squad announcement expected around August 19, the challenge will be less about finding talent and more about fitting an abundance of in-form players into a balanced XI.
Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj are at the centre of this selection puzzle. Both have been in outstanding form, yet breaking into an already settled T20I lineup will require bold decisions from the selectors.
India’s top order currently runs like clockwork — Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have formed a dependable opening partnership, followed by a power-packed middle order featuring Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Hardik Pandya. For Gill to slot in, one of these proven performers would have to make way, a move that will spark plenty of debate.
Gill’s credentials, however, are difficult to ignore. The right-hander has been in sublime touch across formats, piling up 754 runs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England before returning home to make himself available for domestic cricket. His IPL 2025 campaign was equally impressive — 650 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate above 150 — ranking just behind Sai Sudharsan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Virat Kohli on the run charts. With Kohli retired from T20Is, Gill’s case for inclusion has only strengthened.
On the bowling front, Mohammed Siraj’s heroics in England, where he topped the wicket charts in challenging conditions, have further complicated the selection picture. While his IPL numbers were modest — 16 wickets in 15 matches — his recent red-ball dominance and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations make him a compelling option.
Adding to the dilemma is the expected availability of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead in T20 cricket. The selectors will need to decide how to structure the pace attack while also weighing the claims of Prasidh Krishna, who enjoyed a standout IPL season with 25 wickets.
With the Asia Cup likely to feature multiple high-voltage clashes against Pakistan, the Indian think tank will be aiming for a squad that blends current form, proven match-winners, and adaptability to UAE conditions. Whatever the final call, it is certain that some big names will miss out — and the debate will rage right up to the opening match on September 9.
