RCB Match-Winner And? IPL 2025 Performers Who Could Be Left Out Of India's Asia Cup Squad

Jitesh and Sai Sudharsan in IPL 2025 [Source: AFP]

The Test season is over, and it's time for cricket fans to enjoy the power-hitting madness in white-ball cricket. The Asian cricketing powerhouses are set to enthral the spectators, with the Asia Cup starting on September 14. 

Regarding the Indian team, the Men in Blue will cross swords against UAE before taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in the mega tournament. The IPL performance plays a key role in India's squad selection for T20Is. However, despite performing impressively, several IPL 2025 stars might not get picked for the Asia Cup, as mentioned below. 

Jitesh Sharma - RCB

(Jitesh Sharma's Stats in IPL 2025)

Why Jitesh might not be included in India's Asia Cup squad

Poor T20I numbers

Despite being given a consistent run, Jitesh Sharma failed to fire with the bat in T20 Internationals. In nine T20I matches, he managed just 100 runs at an average of 14.3. His failure as a finisher forced India to consider alternative options in the format. 

Not in BCCI's scheme of things

Jitesh Sharma is no longer in the BCCI's scheme of things as the board removed him from its central contracts for the ongoing season. While he is still eligible to make a comeback, it's unlikely that the team management will reconsider him following his unsuccessful stint with the national side. 

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B Sai Sudharsan - GT

(B Sai Sudharsan's Stats in IPL 2025)

Why B Sai Sudharsan might not be included in India's Asia Cup squad

India have a stable top order

Currently, the Indian T20I side has an explosive top-order comprising Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. Also, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are in contention to make a comeback for the Asia Cup. In such a scenario, it's highly unlikely that Sudharsan will get the nod ahead of such big names, given the fact that all these players bat at the top order. 

T20I inexperience

Sai Sudharsan hasn't batted a single time in T20I cricket for the Indian team. He has the experience of a solitary international match in the format. Therefore, it could be a really surprising call if he gets picked solely based on a prolific IPL season for the crucial tournament. 

Krunal Pandya - RCB

Why Krunal Pandya might not be included in India's Asia Cup squad

Axar Patel is India's first-choice all-rounder

With due respect to Krunal Pandya's remarkable performance for RCB, he doesn't claim a place in the current Indian side, with Axar Patel leading the spin bowling all-rounders' department. In fact, Axar is a vital cog in the Indian team, having played as the vice-captain in T20Is. 

Krunal has been axed long back

There was a time when Krunal used to be the first-choice backup for Ravindra Jadeja in T20I cricket. However, his inconsistent returns led to his exclusion from the squad, with Axar Patel coming in as his long-term replacement. 

He played his final T20I way back in 2021; so, it's highly unlikely the Indian team management will go back to him, especially with the T20 World Cup coming up.

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