A fresh chapter is unfolding for Indian cricket as the team sets its sights on the upcoming World T20. As part of its preparation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad to compete in the Asia Cup, a tournament that doubles as a crucial warm-up for the global championship. While the Asian Cricket Council permitted teams to field 17 players, the BCCI preferred a leaner 15-man unit, signaling confidence in their selections.
The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with young batting sensation Shubman Gill appointed as his deputy. Gill’s elevation comes after his outstanding performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England, where he scored more than 700 runs in five matches. Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar confirmed Gill had been earmarked for leadership roles and was always expected to feature prominently in the Asia Cup lineup.
If India reaches the final, the Asia Cup will provide the side with 22 T20 internationals worth of match practice before entering the World T20. Although Agarkar noted that the current squad is not a definitive reflection of India’s World Cup plans, it is widely believed that this team will form the core of the side aiming to defend India’s T20 crown next year.
The Asia Cup roster features a mix of youth and experience: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, and Rinku Singh. Traveling reserves include Prasidh Krishna, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, and Dhruv Jurel.
However, the biggest talking point has been the omission of Shreyas Iyer. Despite scoring more than 600 runs in the latest Indian Premier League season and guiding Punjab Kings to the final, Iyer was overlooked for selection. Known as a natural fit for the number three batting position, he has instead been replaced by Tilak Varma, a move that highlights the selectors’ preference for grooming fresh talent over established names.
As India heads into the Asia Cup, anticipation is high. For fans and experts alike, the tournament will not only test the squad’s depth but also shape the roadmap for the World T20, where India will look to reclaim global dominance.
