With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, India’s squad discussions have already taken center stage. The tournament, set to begin on September 10 in the UAE, will see India start their campaign against the host nation before the much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. Adding fuel to the debate, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif revealed his predicted XI and 15-member squad for the tournament.
Kaif’s playing XI included some bold calls and fresh combinations. In a surprise move, he backed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma to open the innings, leaving star batter Shubman Gill as a backup option. At No. 3, Tilak Varma found a spot, while Suryakumar Yadav was chosen at No. 4 and also handed the captaincy armband. Interestingly, Kaif named Axar Patel as vice-captain at No. 5, giving India another all-round option alongside Hardik Pandya (No.6), Shivam Dube (No.7), and Washington Sundar (No.8).
The bowling department featured wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to complete the XI. For squad depth, Kaif included Jitesh Sharma as a backup wicketkeeper, Varun Chakravarthy for mystery spin, Mohammed Siraj for pace, and Gill as the reserve opener. This selection highlights India’s intent to test youngsters while maintaining balance with experienced performers. Kaif’s mix of boldness and tactical depth ensures plenty of talking points as India prepares for the continental event.
India’s Road Ahead and Asia Cup 2025 Significance
The Asia Cup 2025 holds added importance as it comes just six months before the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka. This year’s edition returns to the T20 format, making it a crucial testing ground for combinations, strategies, and leadership roles. India’s group fixtures include the opener against UAE (Sept 10), followed by the blockbuster Pakistan clash (Sept 14), and a final group match against Oman (Sept 19).
India enter the tournament as strong contenders, having won the last Asia Cup in 2023, where they crushed Sri Lanka in the ODI final. However, the shorter format could open the door for surprises. Teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh are expected to be competitive, while associate nations like Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman could spring unexpected challenges.
The spotlight will be firmly on Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. Known for his innovative batting, Surya now faces the responsibility of managing a young but dynamic side. Experts believe his aggressive mindset may bring fresh energy, while Axar Patel’s vice-captaincy role adds stability. As Kaif pointed out, the abundance of all-rounders gives India tactical flexibility something crucial in T20 cricket.
The Asia Cup 2025 will also serve as a platform for youngsters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma to prove their mettle. For the management, it is not just about winning the trophy, but also about identifying the strongest core for the World Cup. Fans can expect high-intensity matches, new heroes, and possibly a glimpse of India’s future T20 blueprint.