Ajit Agarkar, chief selector for the Indian men’s senior team, announced the 2025 Asia Cup squad at a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 19. The discussion was held at the BCCI headquarters, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav was also there.
There were also some strange selections like the return of Shubman Gill in the T20I division as a deputy captain. It is also noteworthy that the team has Jasprit Bumrah. A couple of surprises were also done, such as the omissions of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Ajit Agarkar responded to questions about appointment of Shubman Gill as vice captain, reasons behind Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer omissions, and other issues in the course of his statements to the reporters in the press conference.
Having stated that, Ajit Agarkar made the following five key remarks during the press conference announcing the 2025 Asia Cup squad.
1. On Washington Sundar missing out
All-rounder Washington Sundar missed the cut but was one of five stand-by players. This is not the final team to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, however, Ajit Agarkar clarified that this team will be included in the pre -tests.
Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel are the three spinners already in the mix, he continued. The selection committee chose Rinku Singh because he is a true hitter, even though Sundar may be useful with the bat.
“Washy will be in the scheme of things. Not the final T20 WC squad. Kuldeep, Varun and Axar have been around for a while. Sundar can come when needed. Rinku in the side because we needed an extra batter.”
Ajit Agarkar
Sundar has already participated in 54 T20Is. In 22 innings, he has taken 48 wickets and amassed 193 runs.
2. On exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named a standby, however Shreyas Iyer has not been included. In T20 cricket, the two batsmen have recently shown greatness. Jaiswal will have to wait, according to Ajit Agarkar, since Abhishek Sharma was performing well.
“With regards to Jaiswal, it’s unfortunate. Abhishek has done well. Plus, he can bowl a little bit. One of these guys were going to miss out. Jaiswal will have to wait for his chance.”
Ajit Agarkar
“With regards to Shreyas, I mean, you need to tell him who he can replace. No fault of his, nor is it ours. It’s just that we have to pick 15 at the moment, he’ll have to wait for his chance.”
Ajit Agarkar
In IPL 2025, Jaiswal amassed 559 runs from 14 games, while Shreyas amassed 604 runs from 17 games. Jaiswal also made an impression in the just finished Test series against England.
3. On Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was a noteworthy addition. To control his workload, Bumrah only participated in three of the five Test matches in England. He was anticipated to be able to take a break for the Asia Cup. Regarding his participation in the competition, Ajit Agarkar stated:
“I don’t think there’s any written plan. Been a nice break after the England series. Physios, team management been in touch. Clearly we want him available for all the big games. There are World Cups, Champions Trophy, big series like England, Australia – you want him available.”
Ajit Agarkar
“Because he’s picked up injuries over the last 2-3 years, because of how special and unique it is – it won’t change. Based on how he’s feeling and how we require him, we hope he’s available more often than not.”
Ajit Agarkar
During the three Test matches in England, Bumrah took 14 wickets, including two fifers. He had also missed the first several IPL 2025 matches and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
4. On Shubman Gill being picked as vice-captain
Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I squad as vice-captain for the 2025 Asia Cup was an unexpected move. Prior to the T20 World Cup in 2024, Gill played his final Twenty20 International. But given his leadership abilities and previous performance in the England series, Ajit Agarkar supported his inclusion.
“I can discuss with you right now, T20 cricket and Test cricket, he is already leading. And like Surya mentioned, he was the vice-captain the last time he played T20 cricket for India. So, we obviously see some leadership qualities in him. And behind his form in England was what we were hoping for. He obviously exceeded all our expectations with the kind of form that he showed.”
Ajit Agarkar
Gill scored four hundreds, including a double hundred, and 754 runs in five Test matches played in England. In addition, he did well in the 2025 Indian Premier League, scoring 650 runs in 15 games.
5. On who between Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill could play
The addition of Shubman Gill may complicate the combo. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have recently opened for India in Twenty20 Internationals. Gill’s inclusion in the starting lineup will be decided by the captain and management, Ajit Agarkar thought.
“Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson – two very good opening options to have alongside Abhishek Sharma. They’ll take a call in Dubai.”
Ajit Agarkar
Therefore, Ajit Agarkar made it apparent that Abhishek will bat first, and Samson or Gill would be the likely choice for the second opener.
