Asia Cup 2025: Test captain Shubman Gill not the first preference for India squad

The Asia Cup 2025 is less than a month away, and ahead of the major T20 tournament, the Indian team may travel to the UAE without the likes of their Test skipper Shubman Gill. The ace batter is reportedly not expected to make it to the final squad, as India's opening combination is likely to be in the form of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. For the unversed, Abhishek is currently the top-ranked T20I batter, while Samson has been in excellent form in the format of late.

Moreover, the position at No. 3 is also occupied by Tilak Varma, so the question of floating Samson a position below to accommodate Gill wouldn't be wise, as it is likely to hinder the batting combination that looks solid and well-positioned currently, as per RevSportz. As a result, Gill may find himself being fully committed to the Duleep Trophy 2025, where he has been announced as captain in the North Zone squad.

Arshdeep set to lead pace attack

Speaking more about the Asia Cup squad, the Men in Blue's pace attack is likely to be spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh, while Jasprit Bumrah is supposed to be rested to manage his workload. Arshdeep travelled with the team for the England tour, but did not play a single game, which makes him fresh and ready to be in action in the shortest format of the game, where he is also the highest wicket taker (99 wickets in 63 games).

Arshdeep becomes highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is

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The continental tournament is set to begin on September 9, and India are placed alongside the UAE, Oman, and Pakistan in the Group A. The Group B, on the other hand, contains Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will move to the Super Fours, post which the top two teams thereon will compete in the grand finale on September 28. India will begin their campaign on September 10 against the UAE.

Asia Cup 2025 — India Schedule