New Delhi, August 19, 2025: India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, marking his return to T20I cricket after more than a year.
The tournament, hosted by India but shifted to the UAE for logistical reasons, will be played from September 9 to 28.
Bumrah, 31, last featured in a T20 International during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where India defeated South Africa in the final. He was named Player of the Series for claiming 15 wickets, including a decisive 2/18 in the title clash. Since then, injuries and workload management have restricted his appearances, with the pacer missing key Tests against England earlier this year.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar underlined the need to manage Bumrah’s workload carefully:
“Clearly, we want him available for all the big games. There are World Cups, the Champions Trophy, and series against England and Australia—you want him fit for those. Based on how he feels, we hope he’s available more often than not.”
Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain, with Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain. The squad blends experience with youth, featuring all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel alongside emerging names such as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh.
Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma have been picked as wicketkeeping options, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy will lead the spin department. Pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana bolster the seam attack.
Notably, Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj were left out despite earlier speculation about their selection.
India, placed in Group A with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, remain the most successful team in Asia Cup history with eight titles—seven in ODIs and one in T20Is. Their maiden win came in 1984 under Sunil Gavaskar, while the latest triumph was in 2023 when Rohit Sharma’s men crushed Sri Lanka in the final.
With Bumrah returning to spearhead the attack, India will look to defend their crown and clinch a record-extending ninth Asia Cup title.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill (vc), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson.
