The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, set to be played from September 9 to 28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Excitement is already building among fans as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is scheduled to announce India’s final squad on August 19. With India eyeing another continental title, debates around team selection have intensified, especially concerning the form and exclusion of certain players.

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the squad announcement was Shubman Gill’s role. Not only has he been confirmed in the side, but he has also been named vice-captain, a clear signal that the BCCI views him as a future leader. Gill will compete for the opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, both of whom impressed in recent T20 outings.

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The final 15-member squad also features Rinku Singh, whose power-hitting has become a valuable asset in the middle order, and Tilak Varma, who continues to rise as a dependable batting option. However, notable omissions like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer have sparked debates, given their stellar recent performances in the IPL 2025 and international cricket.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

For many fans, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion came as a surprise. The 23-year-old left-hander has been one of India’s most exciting T20 batters in recent times. In IPL 2025, he piled up 559 runs at an average of 43 with a strike rate of 159.71, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers from the start. In international T20s, he already has a century and five fifties to his name, scoring runs at an explosive strike rate of 164.32.

Despite this, the predicted opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson meant Jaiswal did not find a place in the squad. His last T20I appearance for India was against Sri Lanka on July 30, 2024, in Kandy. While his omission is harsh, it underlines India’s rich batting depth at the top.

Shreyas Iyer

If there is one name that fans believe deserved a spot, it is Shreyas Iyer. The stylish right-hander has been in terrific touch in 2025, both in the Champions Trophy and the IPL. As captain of Punjab Kings, he led from the front, scoring 604 runs in 16 matches at an average of 50.33, including a blistering 87 off 41 balls against Mumbai Indians in the playoffs.

Iyer’s ability to handle spinners and soak up pressure in crunch games makes him a valuable middle-order option. However, with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya already securing those roles, the selectors faced a tough call. Interestingly, after being dropped from the BCCI central contract last year, Iyer worked tirelessly in domestic cricket and rewarded Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings with a match-winning season after being bought in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Unfortunately, despite his form, he has to wait longer for a comeback.

Prasidh Krishna

The exclusion of Prasidh Krishna is another talking point. The Karnataka pacer had a fantastic year, excelling both in red-ball cricket and the IPL. Against England in the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, he picked up 8 wickets in the Oval Test, proving his mettle in long-format cricket. In the IPL 2025, he clinched the Purple Cap with 25 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 19.52, including a best of 4/41.

Yet, with only limited pacer slots available and Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj already locked in, Krishna missed out. His exclusion highlights how India’s bowling depth is becoming a pleasant headache for selectors.

While omissions of players like Jaiswal, Iyer, and Krishna may feel unfair, the Asia Cup 2025 squad reflects India’s incredible bench strength. With Gill’s leadership role, Rinku’s finishing power, and a balanced bowling attack, India looks primed to make a strong statement in the UAE. But for the players left out, the message is clear—performances won’t go unnoticed, and another opportunity is always around the corner in Indian cricket.