Some important questions were answered during the Asia Cup 2025 press conference. Here are five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference.
BCCI has announced the 15-member Indian team squad for Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar came for the press conference to announce the team. The command of the Indian team has been given to Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill has been made the vice-captain. Meanwhile, some important questions were also answered during the Asia Cup team announcement press conference.
Here are five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference.
Also Read: Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025
Why Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal not in the team?
Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal have not got a place in the Asia Cup squad. They set the stage on fire for their franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. However, the duo have yet to receive a T20I call-up.
Regarding which Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said, "With regards to Yashasvi Jaiswal, I mean it's just unfortunate again. Abhishek Sharma, what he's done over the last few months or a year or so that he's been with the team. Plus, that he can bowl a little bit gives us an option, if required, by the captain.
With regards to Shreyas, I mean, we can replace that. Again, no fault of his. Nor is it ours. It's just that he can pick 15 and, at the moment, he might have to wait for his chance."
Agarkar told why Gill got the chance
Shubman Gill last played a T20I in July 2024 against Sri Lanka. For the three-match series back then, the 25-year-old was made the vice-captain. Keeping the continuity in mind, the management decided to bring him back, considering the right-hander is available for the shortest format of the game.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said in a Asia Cup team announcement press conference, "We will take the call on the best balance for the team. Once we get to Dubai, will have a bit more clarity. More options available now, Shubman has been in great form anyway last few months. So has Sanju. so two good options, along with Abhishek."
Bumrah's workload management
Jasprit Bumrah played just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England owing to workload management. Ever since the series came to an end, the pacer has received flak from some corners for picking and choosing. Amid all the drama, Bumrah made himself available for the Asia Cup.
Agarkar once again confirmed that Bumrah's workload management would continue despite the outside noise, as he spoke about how special the pacer truly is.
"I mean, I don't think there is any written plan at the moment. Obviously, there has been a nice break after the England series as well. The team management, the physios, or the people concerned are always in touch. It's not just now. Even before his injury, we have tried to look after him. Because we know how valuable he is. Clearly, we want him available for all the big games," said Agarkar.
Suryakumar Yadav on T20 WC plans
Suryakumar Yadav said on what lies ahead for the Indian team leading up to the T20 World Cup. "This is the first big tournament that we are playing after the T20 World Cup. We played three-four bilateral series but it's a good tournament to test ourselves. After this too there are many T20s. It starts with the Asia Cup,"
"The preparation is obviously...we had a little bit of idea after the last World Cup, which way we are going to go. But as you get closer, you know who your 16-17-18 are. You want to try and give them the best possible opportunity to be in the best shape going into the World Cup. So yeah, it starts now."
Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)
End of the road for Samson?
Gill's return might well be the end of the road for Sanju Samson in India’s XI. As vice-captain, there is no way, Gill won't play. And when he does, he of course will open along with Abhishek Sharma. Tilak Varma won’t be moved from the No. 3 position, and neither will Surya or Hardik. So there’s your rough deal.
Asia Cup 2025: India Squad
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, Rinku Singh.