The Asian Cup 2025 is quickly approaching, and the Indian team will announce their lineup for the competition on Tuesday, August 19. Multiple reports about several players have surfaced on the internet, but renowned pundit Harsha Bhogle is one of the first to forecast an ideal squad for India’s team that would travel to the United Arab Emirates for the 2025 continental event.
First and foremost, Bhogle’s list of specialist batters includes Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, the current top two T20I batters. Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain, and his Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer have also made the list. There were uncertainties over his participation in the event after being chosen to the West Zone side for the Duleep Trophy, but Bhogle believes Iyer should travel to the UAE.
Meanwhile, Bhogle has named ace opening batsman Sanju Samson to the squad. He will open alongside Abhishek and be the first choice wicketkeeper. As a backup for Samson, the Hyderabad native has named aggressive Royal Challengers Bengaluru stumper-batsman Jitesh Sharma. Notably, Jitesh has been with the Indian T20I team for quite some time, and following a brilliant IPL with RCB, Bhogle has put the Amravati native in the squad.
In terms of all-rounders, his three selections were straightforward and unambiguous, with no unexpected omissions. Bhogle’s three options are Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, who offer dynamism to the lineup. There is certainly one name missing in the form of Nitish Kumar Reddy, but the all-rounder has been recovering from an injury sustained during the England tour, putting his participation in doubt.
Bumrah, Arshdeep, Prasidh complete Harsha Bhogle pace trio
A bowling attack is the most crucial aspect of a T20 side, and to maintain a strong pace and spin combination from either ends, the 64-year-old has named Jasprit Bumrah to be seen at the upcoming multinational event. Multiple reports have suggested that Bumrah may rest himself to manage his workload crisis, however, Bhogle believes having the star pacer is the key to the Men in Blue’s chances in the tournament.
The rest of the bowlers in the side also include Arshdeep Singh — the highest wicket-taker for India in the format. The left-arm pacer will be the strike bowler in case Bumrah doesn’t make it through. Apart from Arshdeep, Prasidh Krishna has been named as the third specialist medium pacer. Among the spinners are Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi.
Harsha Bhogle’s India squad for Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy
India
