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All-Format Players In BCCI Central Contract Whom India Might Ignore For Asia Cup

Debashis Sarangi

India's three-format players who might not be picked for Asia Cup [Source: AFP]India's three-format players who might not be picked for Asia Cup [Source: AFP]

To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the much-anticipated Asia Cup is all set to commence next month. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will cross swords against Oman, UAE and arch-rivals Pakistan in the marquee event, which will be conducted from September 9 to 28. 

Talking about India, the Men in Blue haven't yet finalised their squad for the mega event. As the Indian team for the Asia Cup is set to be announced on August 19, here are three all-format players in the BCCI central contract who might be ignored for the competition. 

Mohammed Siraj

Why could India ignore Mohammed Siraj for Asia Cup?

Criterion
Data
Innings16
Wickets14
Average32.29
Strike Rate24.86

(Mohammed Siraj's T20I stats)

  • Overall T20I performance: Mohammed Siraj's wicket-taking drought in T20I cricket forced India to sideline him from their plans. Overall, the fast bowler has managed only 14 wickets in 16 T20I matches. More importantly, he bagged only three wickets in his last eight T20I innings, with his modest returns leading to his exclusion from India's T20I setup. 
  • Bumrah is available, Siraj needs rest: While Siraj's direct competitor, Arshdeep Singh, is a certainty in India's Asia Cup squad, having bagged 99 T20I wickets in 66 matches, Jasprit Bumrah has informed the selectors about his availability for the tournament. Also, given that Siraj bowled his heart out in the recently held England Tests, the team management will likely rest him to keep the fast bowler fresh for the upcoming home Test season. 

Rishabh Pant

Why could India ignore Rishabh Pant for Asia Cup?

  • Injury Setback in England: Swashbuckling batter Rishabh Pant recently sustained a nasty injury to his left foot after being hit by a pacy delivery from Chris Woakes. The injury sidelined Pant from the Test series, and, as he's still recovering from it, the southpaw won't likely play the Asia Cup. 
  • Poor T20I Record: Despite India giving him a long rope, Rishabh Pant failed to prove his mettle in T20 Internationals. Overall, Pant has managed only 1209 runs at an average of 23.2 and a strike rate of 127.3. His prolonged inconsistency in the format prompted India to rope in Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma as his replacements. 

KL Rahul

Why could India ignore KL Rahul for Asia Cup?

Criterion
Data
Innings13
Runs539
Average53.9
Strike Rate149.72

(KL Rahul had a magnificent IPL 2025 season)

  • No vacancy in existing top order: Despite performing admirably in the IPL 2025, KL Rahul might miss out on Asia Cup selection as India already have a star-studded top order. While Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are India's current T20I openers, Tilak Varma has cemented his place, amassing 443 runs at an average of 55.38 and a strike rate of 169.73 at number three. 
  • Talks of Jaiswal, Gill's comeback: Another factor that could lead to Rahul's exclusion is the potential return of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to the Indian T20I squad. Several reports have claimed that India are considering including Jaiswal and Gill, two players who were rested for several bilateral T20I series due to their participation in the Test series. If these two players return, India won't likely pick Rahul, who is also a top-order batter in T20I cricket. If they do so, there won't be any room for genuine middle-order batters and finishers in their squad.