Bumrah Set for Asia Cup 2025 Return; Axar and Gill in Vice-Captaincy Race

August 12, 2025: Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to start on September 9 next month. This time, the tournament will be held in two cities of the UAE – Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Indian team for the tournament has not been announced yet and is expected to be declared by the third week of August.

Before that, selecting the team is the biggest challenge for the management. According to a PTI report, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to play in the Asia Cup, while there will be a contest between Shubman Gill and Axar Patel for the vice-captain’s role. Let’s take a look at the players who may be selected for the team.

Shubman Gill is currently in the spotlight after his brilliant performance in the recent Test series against England. However, he will face competition from Axar Patel for the vice-captaincy of the Indian team for the Asia Cup T20, to be held in the UAE next month.

As per PTI, pacer Jasprit Bumrah will play in the tournament and is expected to be rested for the first Test against West Indies in early October. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, may announce the Indian team before August 20, depending on the medical reports of all players from the Sports Science Team of the Center of Excellence. This will also include the fitness report of captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has started batting in the nets in Bengaluru.

Axar Patel was the vice-captain in the last domestic series, while Gill got the role after Suryakumar became the full-time captain during the Sri Lanka tour.

Key Players in Focus

According to BCCI sources, batsmen like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, and Hardik Pandya will be the backbone of the team in the top order. Abhishek Sharma is currently the world’s No. 1 T20 batsman in the latest ICC rankings, while Samson impressed with both batting and wicketkeeping last season.

Wicketkeeper Race

Sanju Samson is almost certain as the first-choice wicketkeeper. Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel are in the race for the second wicketkeeper slot. Jurel played in the last T20 series, while Jitesh was impressive as a finisher for RCB in the IPL.

Fitness Concerns

Hardik Pandya remains the first-choice all-rounder. However, Nitish Reddy, injured during the England series, may struggle to be fit in time. Shivam Dubey, who performed well against England, is likely to get a place. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are expected to be picked as spin all-rounders.

Alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, the third pacer’s spot will be contested between Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. Prasidh took 25 wickets in the last IPL, while Harshit has shown great potential with the ball.

Probable Indian Squad

Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma/Dhruv Jurel.