Mumbai: With the Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement around the corner, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to take some bold decisions when it meets in Mumbai on Tuesday. While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirements have already reshaped the T20I landscape, competition for spots remains intense, fueled by a new wave of IPL-bred talent. Reports suggest at least three big calls could define the squad, though head coach Gautam Gambhir may still have the final say.
One of the most intriguing developments is the potential omission of Test captain Shubman Gill from the T20I roster. The selectors reportedly favour Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as the preferred opening combination, with Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of Gill as the third option. However, sources indicate that Gambhir could push strongly for Gill’s inclusion, which may force Jaiswal out.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj—India’s top wicket-taker on the recent England tour—is expected to miss out. Despite fitness concerns, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be included, while Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana are tipped to complete the pace attack. Mohammed Shami is also unlikely to feature.
The final squad will reveal how much influence Gambhir wields in his first major selection meeting as head coach, with the Asia Cup serving as a key build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
