The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 has begun, and Indian cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the squad announcement. This selection won’t just determine who represents India in the continental tournament — it will also give a strong indication of the core group for the T20 World Cup 2026. With selectors weighing form, versatility, and match conditions, competition for the 15-member squad is fiercer than ever. Here’s a detailed look at five players who might not make the cut.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been part of India’s T20 plans since 2023. But Test cricket duties have kept him away from the shortest format in recent months. In his absence, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have performed well. Shubman Gill is also set to return as vice-captain. With so many in-form openers, it may be hard for Jaiswal to find a place in the squad.
- Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh made his name as a T20 finisher after an outstanding IPL season in 2023. But he has been batting at No. 6 or 7 recently, getting fewer balls to face. India now prefers players who can bat and bowl. Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar offer that balance. This could make it tough for Rinku to be in the 15.
- Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer had a brilliant IPL 2025. He scored over 600 runs and led Punjab to the final. But India’s middle order is already full. Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya are all in the mix. That leaves little space for another specialist batter, even one in top form.
- Ravi Bishnoi or Kuldeep Yadav
India’s spin department is stacked, making it hard to fit everyone in. Ravi Bishnoi has been part of recent T20 squads, while Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t played a single T20I since the 2024 T20 World Cup final. With Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy already in the mix, only one of Bishnoi or Kuldeep may find a place in the squad.
- Jitesh Sharma or Dhruv Jurel
With Sanju Samson locked in as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, the fight for the backup spot is between Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel. Dhruv has been part of India’s recent T20 squads, while Jitesh’s explosive IPL 2025 form makes a strong case. The decision may come down to team balance and UAE conditions.
Final Thoughts
With the Asia Cup 2025 set to showcase the finest cricketing talent in Asia, selection headaches for the Indian selectors are inevitable. These five players — despite their skill and reputation — could miss out, highlighting just how competitive the current T20 setup is. The wait won’t be long, as the India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is expected to be announced on August 19 or 20.
About the Author
Krunal Pandya: The X-Factor India Might Be Overlooking
In the fast-paced theatre of T20 cricket, game-changers are gold—and Krunal Pandya has proved time and again that he thrives when the stakes are highest.
Often underrated, Krunal is far more than just a left-arm spinner or a handy lower-order hitter. With over 1,700 IPL runs at a strike rate above 130 and nearly 80 wickets, he has delivered in crunch moments—most memorably, winning two Player of the Match awards in IPL finals.
What makes him special is his versatility. With the ball, he uses changes in pace, angles, and even a surprise bouncer to break partnerships and disrupt rhythm. With the bat, he can rescue innings during collapses or launch quickfire assaults in the closing overs.
Compared to Washington Sundar, who offers control and sharp fielding, Krunal’s recent IPL performances show greater impact in big matches. He brings unpredictability and the rare ability to influence a game with bat, ball, or both.
In a format where momentum swings define outcomes, Krunal Pandya is a player who can turn the tide in minutes. For India, overlooking such a proven match-winner could be a missed opportunity.