Shreyas Iyer Shines as Harbhajan Unveils Bold Asia Cup 2025 Squad for India

Key Highlights from the Asia Cup Selections

As anticipation builds for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE from September 9, former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has taken center stage by unveiling his preferred squad, infusing the line-up with both experience and youthful dare. His picks have sparked debate, balancing established names and breakout stars, and suggesting new ideas ahead of the official BCCI announcement.

Harbhajan’s Chosen India Squad—Major Inclusions and Notable Omissions

Harbhajan’s squad includes Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill—both hailed for their adaptability and consistency across formats. Gill, India’s Test captain and an IPL star holding the Orange Cap, is backed to shine in the T20 Asia Cup outing. Harbhajan credits Gill’s strike rate and big-match mindset as assets in the shortest format.

Riyan Parag earns a rare call-up, reflecting the selectors’ growing faith in emerging IPL standouts. Parag’s aggressive all-round performance and finishing abilities have grabbed headlines in recent months.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav (captain) round out a top order packed with dynamism and variety.

The middle-order features power hitters and reliable finishers: Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, joined by the creative energy of Iyer and Parag.

Spin duties fall to Kuldeep Yadav and Sundar, while Axar’s left-arm options add versatility.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh headline a test-hardened pace attack, banking on death-overs accuracy and raw pace.

Wicketkeeper Conundrum—Rahul or Pant?

Harbhajan’s squad notably omits Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, sparking fan debate. Instead, he recommends that KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant fill the wicketkeeper-batter slot, combining versatility, game awareness and leadership.

KL Rahul’s potential recall is supported by experience and fitness, while Pant’s return remains dependent on recovery from a fractured toe.

Full Proposed Squad, According to Harbhajan Singh

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Shubman Gill
4. Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
5. Hardik Pandya
6. Shreyas Iyer
7. Washington Sundar
8. Riyan Parag
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Axar Patel
11. Mohammed Siraj
12. Jasprit Bumrah
13. Arshdeep Singh
14. KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper-batter)

Analysis—What Makes Harbhajan’s Picks Stand Out?

By giving the nod to Gill and Iyer, Harbhajan defies recent selection trends and bets big on proven temperament. Gill’s ability to anchor and accelerate, Iyer’s powerful strokeplay, and the fresh spark from Parag make this a more attacking squad.

Samson’s omission signals confidence in a more experienced or higher-impact approach at the crucial number four and five spots.

Bumrah’s full fitness is a boost, as India looks for death-overs dominance and tournament momentum after a demanding season.

Looking Ahead—Asia Cup Prospects

India starts its campaign against UAE on September 10, with selections like Jaiswal and Parag poised to make runs and headlines. The dynamic blend aims at maintaining India’s run in continental T20 competitions, while giving space to emerging talents.

Final BCCI squad announcement is due August 19, with fans watching closely for alignment—or departures—from Harbhajan’s recommendations.

Sources: sports.ndtv.com, thesportstak.com, sportskeeda.com, myKhel.com, patrika.com, NDTV Hindi, Live Hindustan

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