Asia Cup 2025: Ajit Agarkar speaks on opening combination, Iyer’s exclusion, and Bumrah’s comeback
The Board of Control for Cricket in India have announced the 15-member India squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in the UAE, while Shubman Gill has been appointed as his deputy. Following a string of outstanding performances by the opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, it seemed like the duo was locked in as India’s opening pair for the Asia Cup. However, BCCI took everyone by surprise after the chief selector Ajit Agarkar named Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of the team.
What that means is Gill is certain to be part of the playing XI. Shubman Gill has batted as an opener for the entirety of his T20 cricket career so far. He is likely to open the innings, but who will be the other opener?
Both Samson and Abhishek Sharma have made great returns as T20I openers this year. When asked about the opening pair for the Asia Cup 2025, here’s what chief selector Ajit Agarkar told the reporters:
“Gill and Sanju – two very good opening options to have alongside Abhishek Sharma. Captain and coach will take the call after reaching Dubai,” he said.
Ajit Agarkar sheds light on Bumrah’s comeback in the Asia Cup squad
Jasprit Bumrah played three out of the five Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The decision to play only three Tests was already planned before the series in a bid to manage his workload. Concerns were raised over his fitness after his pace dropped in the fourth Test vs England in Manchester. He picked just a couple of wickets while giving away 112 runs in 33 overs.
Bumrah played his last T20 international against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. India played five T20I series post that, but Bumrah didn’t feature in a single series. He has now been picked in the squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
India’s chief selector emphasized the importance of playing Bumrah in major series and multi-nation tournaments.
"I don't think there's any written plan. Been a nice break after the England series. Physios, team management been in touch. Clearly, we want him available for all the big games. There are WCs, CT, big series like England, Australia - you want him available. Because he's picked up injuries over the last 2-3 years, because of how special and unique it is - it won't change. Based on how he's feeling and how we require him, we hope he's available more often than not," Agarkar said in the press conference.
Why was Shreyas Iyer not picked for the 2025 Asia Cup?
Shreyas Iyer's spot in the Asia Cup 2025 squad was a major talking point. He played some sensational knocks batting at number three for the Punjab Kings and led the franchise to the final in the IPL 2025. Iyer was looked at as a great contender for the number three spot, but couldn't find a place in India’s squad.
Team India chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified at the press conference that Shreyas Iyer’s omission was not due to a lack of runs but due to fierce competition for places in the team.
“Shreyas Iyer. No fault of his. He has just had to wait for his chance. You have to tell me, who will you replace him with?" asked Agarkar.
India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the United Arab Emirates on 10th September in the United Arab Emirates. India are placed in group A, alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.
