Gill, Siraj Likely to Miss Out on Asia Cup 2025 Squad – Selectors Favor Fresh Faces
The build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked intense discussions, with the spotlight firmly on the selection meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 in Mumbai. According to reports, some of India’s top performers over the past year, including Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, may not feature in the final squad. While this may come as a shock to many fans, the selectors appear to be prioritizing T20-specific skills and balance over recent Test and ODI exploits. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Shubman Gill: Runs Galore, But Format Clash
Shubman Gill has been one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket in 2025. His bat has done the talking across formats, particularly in the England Test series, where he piled up over 750 runs, second only to Sunil Gavaskar in aggregate runs across a series. His match-defining innings under pressure and consistency have turned him into India’s go-to batter in red-ball cricket.
He also showcased his brilliance in the IPL 2025, scoring 650 runs while opening for his franchise. With elegant stroke play and the ability to anchor or accelerate, Gill seemed like a natural pick for India’s T20I squad heading into the Asia Cup.
However, there is a catch. The Asia Cup is a T20I championship, and the selectors are reportedly reluctant to disturb the opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who have been consistent in the shortest format. This leaves Gill in a tricky position. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
There is still a possibility that selectors might opt for a third opener, but that slot could well go to Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose natural attacking game suits the T20 format better. Unless head coach Gautam Gambhir makes a strong case for Gill, the Test skipper may find himself on the sidelines. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Mohammed Siraj: A Warrior Left Out?
If Gill’s omission would be surprising, Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion would be heartbreaking. The Hyderabad pacer was the standout bowler in the Anderson-Tendulkar Test series, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with fiery spells that rattled England. Siraj’s ability to extract movement and bowl with heart has made him a national hero in recent months.
But T20 cricket is a different beast. With Jasprit Bumrah fit and raring to go, he is set to lead India’s pace attack. Add to that Arshdeep Singh, and one or both of Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, the pace battery looks packed. Asia Cup 2025 SquadAsia Cup 2025 Squad
All-rounder Hardik Pandya, who bowled the nerve-wracking last over in the T20 World Cup final, will also play a crucial role as a seamer. This leaves little room for Siraj, despite his purple patch. Moreover, selectors may feel Siraj is better preserved for Test and ODI assignments where his skills are more impactful.
Batting Department: New Faces in Focus
Apart from the opening conundrum, the batting unit seems largely set. Alongside skipper Suryakumar Yadav, selectors are backing the exciting middle-order combination of Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh, who bring fearlessness and power-hitting ability.
One batting slot, however, remains uncertain. The contenders are Shivam Dube, who offers a big-hitting option, and Washington Sundar, who adds balance with his off-spin. The unlucky candidate here seems to be Shreyas Iyer, despite his strong run as captain for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. Reports suggest he may not fit into the team’s immediate T20 blueprint. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
For the wicketkeeper slot, Jitesh Sharma is expected to back up Sanju Samson, adding depth to the batting order. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Bowling Balance: Spin Department Secure
India’s spin department looks strong and settled. The trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi will offer variety, while vice-captain Axar Patel provides the all-rounder option. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Selectors are also considering Washington Sundar, who was part of the squad earlier this year, though his spot is far from guaranteed. With Asia Cup matches expected to be played on slower pitches, at least three spinners will likely feature in the playing XI. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Possible Squad Composition
While nothing is confirmed yet, here’s what the probable India squad for Asia Cup 2025 might look like:
Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal/Shubman Gill
Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk)
Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube/Washington Sundar
Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel
This composition suggests a strong tilt toward T20 specialists, with Gill and Siraj’s chances hanging by a thread.
The Bigger Picture
If Gill and Siraj indeed miss out, it won’t be the first time selectors have chosen format-specific players over current form. India’s approach to T20 cricket is shifting, with an emphasis on strike rates, power-hitting, and variety in bowling. Asia Cup 2025 Squad
For Gill, the setback might be temporary, as his class ensures he will always be in the mix. For Siraj, this might be a chance to focus on upcoming Test assignments and continue being India’s backbone in the longer formats.
The Asia Cup squad announcement on August 19 will reveal the selectors’ final call, but one thing is clear – tough decisions are being made as India looks to sharpen its T20 edge before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
