India received a major boost ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, as star batter and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has cleared his fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru. His availability comes as a relief for selectors, who are set to finalize India’s squad on August 19.
Suryakumar, popularly known as SKY, had been recovering from surgery and there were lingering doubts over his participation. However, medical staff at the NCA confirmed that the 34-year-old has regained full match fitness, putting him in line to lead India in the continental tournament.
The Asia Cup, beginning on September 9th, holds special importance as it will serve as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup 2026. India will also lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14th in what promises to be the most anticipated clash of the group stage.
Suryakumar’s return is seen as crucial not only for his leadership but also for his form with the bat. He was one of the standout performers in the IPL 2025, scoring 717 runs for Mumbai Indians, including a string of match-winning innings that underlined his consistency in the shortest format.
With the squad announcement around the corner, all eyes will be on the balance the selectors strike. While SKY’s inclusion is now confirmed, debates continue over other batting slots, with names like Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh in the spotlight.
For India, though, the assurance of their captain’s fitness is already a significant step forward. As the tournament approaches, Suryakumar Yadav’s comeback sets the stage for an exciting campaign, where his form and leadership will be vital to India’s title hopes.
