India’s preparation for the men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the USA and West Indies begins with the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, starting September 9. India play their first match on September 10, and the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce the squad this week.
While several names are certain starters, a handful of positions remain open, with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer among those fighting for inclusion. The decisions taken could provide the strongest indication yet of India’s plans for their World Cup title defence in February.
Opening Spot: Gill, Jaiswal and Samson in Contention
India’s T20I opening pair for most of the past year has been Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The duo featured in each of India’s last 12 T20Is.
- Abhishek Sharma: Outstanding against England in January, scoring 279 runs at a strike rate of 219.68. His 54-ball 135 at Wankhede was a standout performance, and his part-time left-arm spin adds variety.
- Sanju Samson: Mixed returns. Struggled in IPL 2025 and looked vulnerable to high pace against Jofra Archer during the England series. However, he was prolific in late 2024, scoring three centuries in five innings against South Africa and Bangladesh.
Selectors face a call between continuity and change. Shubman Gill, now India’s Test captain, was a travelling reserve at the last T20 World Cup but has since led India in Zimbabwe and served as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in Sri Lanka. His leadership role could strengthen his case.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s back-up opener during the last T20 World Cup, also remains a strong candidate. His left-handed batting would allow India to pair him with Abhishek for a balanced top order.
Shreyas Iyer vs Tilak Varma: Battle for No. 3
The middle order has three near-certainties in Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, but competition is fierce for the No. 3 position.
- Tilak Varma: Established himself during series against South Africa and Bangladesh, where he struck two centuries. However, his IPL 2025 campaign was modest, with 343 runs at a strike rate of 138.30.
- Shreyas Iyer: Enjoyed one of the most productive IPL seasons ever for Punjab Kings. His strike rate of 175.07 was the third-best in tournament history among players with 600+ runs. His ability to attack spin makes him a valuable option for UAE conditions.
If the selectors favour form and experience, Iyer could edge ahead. If they prefer youth and continuity, Tilak may retain the spot.
Keeper-Finisher Role: Samson Under Pressure
Should Iyer be included, India may look for a second wicketkeeper in the middle order. Sanju Samson’s place is uncertain, with Jitesh Sharma emerging as an alternative.
Jitesh excelled as a finisher for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, striking cleanly at the death and providing wicketkeeping cover. His selection would align with India’s strategy of having a dedicated lower-order hitter.
Spin Department: Kuldeep vs Varun or Both?
India’s spin attack remains one of the key talking points.
- Varun Chakravarthy: Topped the wicket charts against England earlier this year, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.66. His resurgence has pushed him into serious contention.
- Kuldeep Yadav: Missed the England T20Is due to injury but remains India’s most established spinner in white-ball cricket.
The two combined successfully during India’s Champions Trophy victory in the UAE, playing alongside Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja in a four-pronged spin attack. The selectors must now decide whether to repeat that formula in the Asia Cup or balance the side with additional pace.
Pace Attack: Who Joins Bumrah and Arshdeep?
If fit, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are automatic selections. The third seamer’s position is more open.
- Prasidh Krishna: IPL 2025 Purple Cap winner. His height and bounce make him effective in UAE conditions.
- Harshit Rana: Impressed on debut against England in January, taking three wickets as a concussion substitute. Offers raw pace and aggression.
Selectors must weigh Prasidh’s consistency against Rana’s potential as a wildcard option.
Lower-Middle Order: Allrounder Logjam
With Nitish Kumar Reddy sidelined by injury, India’s search for reliable lower-order power hitting continues.
- Shivam Dube: Regular feature in recent squads when fit. Was Chennai Super Kings’ top run-scorer in IPL 2025.
- Riyan Parag: Returning from a shoulder injury after missing the England and South Africa series. Last played for India nearly a year ago.
- Rinku Singh: Popular option but could struggle to break into the XI due to his lack of bowling contributions.
- Washington Sundar: The only frontline offspinner in contention. His bowling could be crucial in UAE conditions.
- Young prospects: Ramandeep Singh and Vipraj Nigam were both part of recent camps. Nigam, aged 20, had a breakout season with Delhi Capitals, contributing with both bat and ball.
Key Selection Questions Ahead of Tuesday
The selectors face several dilemmas before finalising the squad:
- Opening combination: Stick with Samson, or bring in Gill or Jaiswal?
- No. 3 role: Back the incumbent Tilak Varma, or reward Iyer’s IPL form?
- Spin balance: Can Kuldeep and Varun both fit into the XI?
- Pace options: Who partners Bumrah and Arshdeep – Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana?
- Lower-order choices: Will Dube, Parag or Sundar be preferred for their all-round utility?
Asia Cup as World Cup Trial
The Asia Cup is set to be more than just a regional competition. It will act as the first major selection test for India’s World Cup defence, with the UAE conditions providing a useful preview of challenges likely to arise in the Caribbean next year.
With several spots undecided, performances in the Asia Cup could directly shape India’s final squad for the World Cup. The announcement on Tuesday will therefore carry significance beyond the tournament itself, marking the first steps in India’s path towards defending their T20 World Cup title.
Possible India Squad for Asia Cup 2025
The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to announce India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. While some names are virtually guaranteed, others face a tight contest for limited spots. The choices made will serve as an early blueprint for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 defence.
Below is a look at the possible 15-man squad, along with role descriptions and selection notes based on current form and recent performances.
| Player | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Opening batter, part-time spin | In-form opener; explosive vs England; offers left-arm spin option |
| Sanju Samson | Opening batter, wicketkeeper | Current opener; under pressure due to inconsistent form |
| Shubman Gill | Opening batter | Test captain; leadership experience; contender to open |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opening batter | Back-up opener at 2024 T20 WC; left-handed option |
| Tilak Varma | Top-order batter | Incumbent at No. 3; modest IPL but strong international record |
| Shreyas Iyer | Top-order batter | Outstanding IPL 2025; strike rate 175+; strong vs spin |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Middle-order batter (vc) | Locked at No. 4; senior leadership role |
| Hardik Pandya | Allrounder | Power hitter; seam option; leadership backup |
| Axar Patel | Allrounder | Balance with bat and left-arm spin |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper-finisher | Strong death overs hitter; alternative to Samson |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Left-arm wristspinner | Proven T20I match-winner; first-choice spinner |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Mystery spinner | Top wicket-taker vs England in January |
| Washington Sundar | Offspin allrounder | Only frontline offspinner; adds batting depth |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Lead fast bowler | India’s strike bowler in all formats |
| Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm fast bowler | India’s leading T20I wicket-taker; reliable new-ball option |
| Prasidh Krishna | Fast bowler (contender) | IPL 2025 Purple Cap winner; bounce and pace |
| Harshit Rana | Fast bowler (contender) | Impressed on debut vs England; raw pace option |
| Shivam Dube | Batting allrounder | Big-hitting finisher; useful medium pace |
| Riyan Parag | Batting allrounder | Returning from injury; batting-heavy option |
The final squad announcement on Tuesday will confirm which direction the selectors choose — whether they lean on continuity with incumbents like Samson and Tilak Varma, or reward form and experience with Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
With India’s World Cup defence less than six months away, the Asia Cup will provide crucial clarity on batting combinations, spin depth, and the pace attack. For several fringe players, this tournament could decide their place in the squad for the biggest stage in T20 cricket.
