India’s campaign kicks off on September 10, and while the 15-member squad has already been announced, the real intrigue lies in who will take the field. With only eleven spots available, some players could spend the entire tournament warming the bench, missing out on valuable match time during the group stage and the Super Four phase
(L-R) Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh (Pic: AFP)
As Team India gear up for the Asia Cup 2025, set to be contested in the T20 format in the UAE, anticipation is mounting over the composition of the playing XI. India’s campaign kicks off on September 10 against the hosts UAE, and while the 15-member squad has already been announced, the real intrigue lies in who will take the field. With only eleven spots available, some players could spend the entire tournament warming the bench, missing out on valuable match time during the group stage and the Super Four phase.
Here, we spotlight the surprising names who might not feature even once for India in the Asia Cup.
Sanju Samson: Formidable yet uncertain
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson heads the list of potential non-starters. Despite an impressive T20I record, scoring three centuries in just 10 innings over the past year, Samson’s position is under threat. The rise of Shubman Gill, who has been appointed vice-captain, complicates Samson’s role in the playing XI. Gill is poised to open the innings alongside emerging talent Abhishek Sharma, while Jitesh Sharma, who doubles as a finisher and wicketkeeper, is favored for the lower middle order.
Though Samson’s exclusion would come as a surprise given his consistent form, the team management seems inclined to back Jitesh initially. That said, Samson remains in contention and could be recalled if Jitesh fails to deliver in the opening game against UAE.
Harshit Rana: The young pacer struggling for opportunities
Pacer Harshit Rana is another player whose chances appear slim. Despite being part of India’s future white-ball plans and impressing in limited outings, claiming three wickets for 33 runs against England as a concussion substitute, Rana faces stiff competition from established frontline pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
The likely strategy involves deploying three pacers and two spinners, relegating Rana down the pecking order. His best chance to break into the XI would be if India decides to rest Bumrah or opts for an extra seamer on a pitch conducive to pace bowling.
Rinku Singh: Talent waiting in the wings
Rinku Singh, the promising young batter making waves in the UPT20 league, may also find opportunities limited. India’s middle order is packed with firepower, including the explosive Suryakumar Yadav, the experienced all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and the versatile Axar Patel, who provides valuable balance with both bat and ball. With such established names anchoring the middle order, Rinku might have to be patient before earning his breakthrough on the international stage.
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