Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed his strongest Indian playing XI for the highly anticipated Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off on September 9 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The tournament will be played in the T20 format, and India has already announced its star-studded squad.
For the opening pair, Irfan has backed the explosive Abhishek Sharma alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill, giving India a left-right combination at the top. Rising star Tilak Varma takes the crucial No. 3 slot, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav, known for his 360-degree stroke play, will anchor the innings at No. 4.
In the middle order, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel provide the perfect mix of power-hitting and all-round depth, giving balance to the XI. Interestingly, Pathan has chosen Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper, slotting him at No. 5, despite selectors preferring Jitesh Sharma as the primary keeper.
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Sanju Samson’s recent form in the Kerala Cricket League, where he thrived in the middle order, seems to have influenced this decision. In the bowling department, Pathan’s choices are straightforward but formidable. Kuldeep Yadav leads the spin attack with his left-arm wrist spin, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and the ever-improving Arshdeep Singh form a lethal fast-bowling duo.
Hardik’s seam-up skills, combined with Axar and Abhishek’s spin options, make this XI well-rounded for subcontinental conditions. Irfan Pathan’s XI reflects a balance of youth, experience, and versatility, setting a strong tone for India’s Asia Cup campaign. With this lineup, India looks well-prepared to dominate on familiar UAE pitches.
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Irfan Pathan’s strongest India Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
India squad for Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy
