In the wake of their recollective win over England, Team India are now eyeing the next Asia Cup which will be starting from September 9. According to a PTI report, the Ajit Agarkar-headed selection panel is likely to announce the team on August 19 or 20. The date will depend on when the Centre of Excellence’s (CoE) Sports Science department provides medical inputs, particularly on skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who had already started batting practice in Bengaluru.
“Abhishek Sharma is world’s No. 1 T20 batter in last ICC rankings. Sanju Samson has been fantastic last season with both bat and gloves. So it will certainly be a tough call but Shubman in current form (although in Tests) can’t be ignored. He had a good IPL also. Problem for selectors is, there are too many performers at the top of the order,” a BCCI source privy to developments told PTI.
Core Batting Line-Up Set To Remain Intact
The selectors don’t see much chance of experimenting with the top order, and a robust top five of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya seems certain to remain intact. This established line-up leaves little chance for the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan.
Wicketkeeper Dilemma
Since KL Rahul is not in consideration for a middle-order position, Sanju Samson is practically guaranteed to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper. The battle for the second wicketkeeper’s spot is between Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma. Jurel was recently seen in action in the T20 series, while Jitesh was impressive as a finisher in RCB’s championship-winning IPL season.
All-Rounder Watch: Reddy Racing Against Time
India’s go-to seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya holds his spot, but injured Nitish Kumar Reddy during the England series won’t be able to make it in time. Shivam Dube, who returned impressively in the England series, is likely to get his chance. In the spin all-rounder category, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are going to play.
Pace Attack: One Spot Up For Grabs
Whereas Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are sure picks, the third fast-bowling position is yet to be determined. Prasidh Krishna, having taken 25 wickets in the previous IPL, is among those contenders along with Harshit Rana, who is recognized for his capability to create steep bounce and heavy balls.
Likely Contenders In Asia Cup 2025
Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel
