With the Asia Cup 2025 now less than a month away, speculation is mounting over India’s final squad and starting XI. While Shreyas Iyer is tipped to make a return to the T20I setup, questions remain over whether he will break into the playing XI, especially with a settled top order.
Iyer, who led Punjab Kings to a strong IPL 2025 campaign with 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07, underwent a fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru between July 27 and 29. His selection prospects have been boosted by uncertainty over skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s fitness, but competition for places remains fierce.
India’s likely top four — Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav — leaves little room for Iyer, with Hardik Pandya expected to slot in at No. 5. However, SKY’s recovery from sports hernia surgery is taking longer than hoped, with the captain set to spend another week at the CoE. His absence could open the door for Iyer’s inclusion in the XI.
Adding to India’s concerns, Hardik Pandya has also checked into the CoE for a routine fitness assessment ahead of squad selection. The all-rounder, who last played in the IPL 2025, has been training since mid-July and is expected to play a key role in the tournament.
The BCCI is expected to announce India’s 18-member squad in the third week of August, with final decisions hinging on player availability and fitness reports.
The Asia Cup 2025 begins on September 9 across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the final scheduled for September 28. India will open their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, aiming to defend the title they won in 2023.
