Asia Cup: India look to continue fearless mode as road to T20 World Cup begins

India enter the Asia Cup 2025 not just as defending champions but as a team quietly shaping the next era of T20 cricket. Vice-captain Shubman Gill returns to the squad, slotting into a top three that has been firing on all cylinders. Beyond his on-field ability, Gill represents continuity and succession, gradually preparing to take over leadership responsibilities from Suryakumar Yadav. This tournament is not merely about defending a title—it is about building a team capable of dominating T20 cricket for years to come.

In Group A, India will open their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the high-profile clash against Pakistan on September 14. The group stage concludes with a match against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi, which could shape India's path into the Super Four stage. Each game will test the balance of a team, blending experienced stars with emerging talents.

The return of Jasprit Bumrah adds excitement and depth to India's bowling. Last seen in T20Is during the 2024 World Cup, the death-over specialist brings experience and pace, while Arshdeep Singh has emerged as the real headline act over the past year. Leading India's pace brigade, Arshdeep has delivered consistently, claiming 36 wickets in 18 matches since the last T20 World Cup at an average of 13.50 and an economy of 7.49. For UAE conditions, he remains the spearhead, supported by Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel, with Bumrah adding his finishing expertise without reducing Arshdeep's influence.

India's batting has also been in formidable form. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have set the tone in the powerplay, Tilak Varma has cemented himself at No. 3, and Shubman Gill's return adds class and stability. The middle order features Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel, providing depth and flexibility. Integrating Gill requires finesse, as the team looks to retain the combinations that have been winning games while leveraging his leadership and technical skills.

More than just a tournament, the Asia Cup serves as a rehearsal for the 2026 T20 World Cup. With a batting line-up brimming with form, a bowling unit led by Arshdeep Singh, and the experience of Bumrah, India aims to defend their crown while testing and refining a squad poised to dominate the next era of T20 cricket.

BATTING ORDER DILEMMA: HOW TO FIT GILL?

Shubman Gill’s return has selectors in a happy yet delicate predicament. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have been terrorising the powerplay, while Tilak Varma’s run-scoring exploits at No. 3 have made him indispensable. Where does Gill fit? Do you shuffle the deck for a returning star or stick with a top three that has been winning games? It’s a challenge that combines cricketing logic with a touch of cricketing drama.

Adding to the complexity is Jitesh Sharma, whose consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have made a strong case for inclusion as a wicketkeeper-batter. His form puts pressure on Sanju Samson, who has impressed as an opener and middle-order option. Head coach Gautam Gambhir could be tempted to try out Jitesh’s experience and reliability, meaning Samson may have to fight harder for his spot or adjust to a different role.

MIDDLE ORDER PUZZLE

The middle order is a puzzle of balance. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Rinku Singh provide finishing power, but Rinku comes in on the back of a moderate IPL 2025 (206 runs in 13 games) and just 167 T20I runs over seven matches, two of which he didn’t get to bat. Selecting the right combination will be key to sustaining momentum.

India’s sixth bowling spot highlights the balancing act between options. Hardik Pandya provides genuine all-round value, contributing with both bat and ball, while Shivam Dube adds big-hitting capability and occasional seam, though he falls short of a true specialist bowler.

Harshit Rana adds depth with the ball but minimal batting. Selecting between firepower and flexibility will require careful thought, especially on UAE pitches where conditions can reward creativity or consistency.

INDIA'S POST-WORLD CUP T20I RECORD

Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has been in terrific form, winning 17 of their last 20 T20Is. The combination of emerging stars and experienced players has allowed India to experiment without jeopardizing results. The Asia Cup will act as a testbed for new strategies and player combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

INDIA's ASIA CUP DOMINANCE

India has long dominated the Asia Cup, winning eight titles—seven in ODIs and one in T20Is. Their most recent victory in 2023, a 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Colombo, showcased fearless batting, adaptable bowling, and shrewd captaincy—a blueprint India will aim to replicate in 2025.

INDIA'S ASIA CUP SQUAD

India’s Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel

INDIA's PREDICTED XI FOR ASIA CUP

India Predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy