With the Asia Cup 2025 coming soon, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his opinion on India’s squad. He revealed his ideal playing XI along with a 15-member squad that included four backup players. Notably, Test captain Shubman Gill was chosen as a backup opener.
The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28. Defending champions India will start their campaign on September 10 against the UAE in Dubai. The team plans to continue with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as their opening pair, and Kaif agrees with this choice.
Mohammad Kaif shared the playing XI, saying, “Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will open the innings. Tilak Varma will bat at No.3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at No.4, who will also be the captain. Axar Patel will bat at No.5 and serve as vice-captain, with Hardik Pandya at No.6. Shivam Dube will be No.7, Washington Sundar No.8, Kuldeep Yadav No.9, Arshdeep Singh No.10, and Jasprit Bumrah will finish at No.11.”
He also added, “If we look at the full squad, Shubman Gill will be the backup opener, Jitesh Sharma will be the backup wicketkeeper, and the other two players included are Varun Chakravarthy and Mohammed Siraj.”
India and Pakistan, long-time rivals, are set to play on September 14 in one of the most awaited matches of Asia Cup 2025. India will finish their group-stage games against Oman on September 19.
Even though India is officially the host, all matches will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), acting as a neutral ground. The tournament will be held at two venues: Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Eight teams will compete for the Asia Cup title: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman.
With only six months to go until the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the upcoming Asia Cup will follow the T20 format, as usual. The previous edition in 2023 was played in the ODI format to prepare teams for that year’s 50-over World Cup. India claimed the 2023 title by beating Sri Lanka in the final held in Colombo.
FAQ
Who is the reserve opener in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Shubman Gill has been named as the reserve opener in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.
Who announced India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif announced India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
Why is Shubman Gill included as a backup opener?
He is included as a reserve to provide options in case of injury or rotation of the main openers.
What format will the Asia Cup 2025 follow?
The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format.
Who are India’s main openers for the Asia Cup 2025?
The main openers are likely the senior Indian batsmen selected by the team management, with Shubman Gill as backup.
