What is the expected middle-order lineup for the Indian squad in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025?

India’s 15-member squad for UAE-hosted Asia Cup features Suryakumar as captain and Gill as deputy. Strong batting with Gill, Sharma, Yadav; balanced bowling with Bumrah, Kuldeep, Arshdeep. Samson, Jaiswal and Iyer likely to miss playing XI.

New Delhi: The 2025 Asia Cup will be held in the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member Indian team for the tournament, with Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. This appointment signals a significant change in the team's strategy.

There is a lot of discussion among experts and former players about the team's possible playing XI. Experienced players like former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believe that Shubman Gill's vice-captaincy and return to the team have made it difficult for talented players like Sanju Samson to find a place in the playing XI, even though Samson has scored three centuries in the last year.

Fans over social media is also questioning of not taking Yashasvi Jaiswal into the squad who batted exceptionally well against England and has also proven his acumen in T-20 matches. Apart from him, Shreyas Iyer has also not been considered even after scoring well in the IPL.

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma are expected to take the field as the opening pair, after which Tilak Verma, who is ranked second in the T20 rankings, may get an opportunity to play at number three. Captain Suryakumar Yadav's role at number four will be important, while the presence of wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya at numbers five and six will strengthen the middle order.

The responsibility of bowling will mainly be on spin bowlers Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakraborty, while the fast bowling will be in the hands of Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. This team is capable of playing balanced and aggressive cricket, but the final decision on the depth in the middle order and bowling options will be taken based on the match situations. Thus, the Indian team is preparing for the Asia Cup with a strong and balanced roster.

Expected Playing Eleven

India's probable playing XI for Asia Cup - Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.