India T20I team [Source: @KnightClub_KKR/x.com]
India will be entering the Asia Cup 2025 as the favourites. Under Gautam Gambhir, the team has entered a new era of modern T20 cricket, where they are looking to go all-out and put the opposition out of the game with their aggressive brand of cricket.
Under Suryakumar Yadav, India are showing great consistency and authority as a team. In the matches that the 'Men in Blue' have played under SKY, they have looked well-rounded in all the aspects. While the batting has looked aggressive, the bowling unit has shown efficiency in almost all the phases of a game. In this article, we take a look at the Indian squad for the tournament and then try to analyse the strengths, weaknesses and title chances.
India Full Squad For Asia Cup 2025
Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana
Strengths Of India For Asia Cup 2025
Explosive Top Order
A look at India's squad, and we can see that there are some powerful batters for the team at the top of the order. With Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill expected to open the innings for the team, we can expect an explosive yet solid start from India.
Batters | Matches | Strike Rate |
Abhishek Sharma | 17 | 193.84 |
Shubman Gill | 21 | 139.27 |
Suryakumar Yadav | 83 | 167.07 |
Tilak Varma | 25 | 155.07 |
Hardik Pandya | 114 | 141.67 |
The middle order will see batters like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma. All of these batters have shown great dynamism in the format, and the recent strategy of the team ensures that, backed by stronger starts, the team can often chase down formidable targets or post competitive totals on the board.
Strong All-rounded Bowling Unit
The Indian team is entering the Asia Cup 2025 with a powerful bowling line-up. In terms of variety, depth, and flexibility, the team has covered almost all the bases.
Bowlers | Type | Speciality |
Jasprit Bumrah | Right-arm Pace | Death Over |
Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm Pace | Powerplay and Death Over |
Hardik Pandya | Right-arm Medium Pace | Middle-overs |
Axar Patel | Left-arm Orthodox | Middle-overs |
Varun Chakaravarthy | Right-arm Mystery Spinner | Middle-overs |
Kuldeep Yadav | Left-arm Wrist Spinner | Middle-overs |
Harshit Rana | Right-arm Medium Pace | Powerplay |
A look at the bowling composition gives us the idea that there is plenty of variety when it comes to the type of bowlers. Also, some bowlers can be effective in each phase of the match. It will be difficult for most of the batting line-ups to target the Indian bowling in a particular phase, and take a lot of dexterity to dominate against it.
Weaknesses Of India For Asia Cup 2025
Lack Of Designated Finishers
Jitesh Sharma for RCB [Source: AFP Media]
As far as India's finishing job in the batting is considered, there is a lack of an effective batter for the spot. While Rinku Singh has been doing well in the recent domestic league, he has not delivered as expected at the highest stage. Another player expected to play a role is Shivam Dube. The southpaw has been decent, but looks a bit downgraded when it comes to the brand of cricket India is looking to play. Jitesh Sharma, who did well for RCB in the lower middle-order during the IPL 2025 will be trusted to do the job for them during the tournament.
Opportunities Of India For Asia Cup 2025
Testing Out Combination For Title Defence In T20 WC 2026
The Asia Cup 2025 will be the perfect stage for the Indian team to find and test their combinations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, India are the current world champions in the T20I format and would be looking to defend their title.
The Asia Cup will be the stage where India will test their players and look to fill the holes that might hinder the team during the marquee tournament.
Dependencies For India In Asia Cup 2025
Gill And Sharma's Opening Chemistry
The success of India's batting will largely depend on how quickly Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma can develop their partnership and set solid foundations.
Partnership dynamics: Gill's role as the anchor needs to complement Sharma's aggressive approach. Their ability to rotate strike and find boundaries during the powerplay will determine how effectively the middle order can build upon the start.
Consistency requirement: Both openers need to show consistency throughout the tournament, as India cannot afford regular top-order collapses that put pressure on the middle order.
Spin Bowling Impact in Middle Overs
India's campaign success will significantly depend on how effectively their spin trio performs during the crucial middle overs.
Chakaravarthy's mystery factor: Varun Chakaravarthy's unique bowling style and ability to pick wickets in clusters could be the X-factor for India, especially against teams unfamiliar with his variations.
Kuldeep's experience: The left-arm wrist spinner's experience in UAE conditions and his ability to take wickets in the middle overs will be crucial for controlling opposition innings.
Win Probability vs Key Opponents (Statistically Calculated):
- vs Pakistan: 67%
- vs Afghanistan: 75%
- vs Bangladesh: 80%
Bottom Line
India's Asia Cup success probability stands at 72%—making them strong favorites for the tournament. Their exceptional death bowling, explosive middle order, and quality spin options provide a high ceiling for success. However, opening partnership uncertainty and over-dependence on key players present some vulnerabilities. The team has the experience, depth, and quality to lift the trophy, but execution in crucial moments will determine their fate.
Best Possible XI Of India For Asia Cup 2025
Shubman Gill
Abhishek Sharma
Suryakumar Yadav (c)
Tilak Varma
Hardik Pandya
Jitesh Sharma(wk)
Axar Patel
Jasprit Bumrah
Arshdeep Singh
Varun Chakaravarthy
Kuldeep Yadav