Asia Cup 2025: 4 Indian players who might miss out on the starting playing XI

A strong 15-member squad has been named for Team India ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the side, India will enter the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

However, there are few players who might find it tough to break into the playing XI throughout the competition.

Here are the 4 Indian players who might miss out on the starting playing XI in the Asia Cup 2025

1. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson looks most likely to lose his opening spot in the Asia Cup 2025. In recent months, India have preferred the combination of Abhishek Sharma and Samson at the top of the order in T20Is. 

However, with the return of Shubman Gill — who has also been named vice-captain — the situation has changed. Gill’s place in the playing XI looks almost certain, and he is expected to open the innings.

This leaves Samson in a difficult position. For him to retain a place in the side, the only option would be to bat in the lower-middle order. But when compared with Jitesh Sharma, the other wicketkeeper-batter in the squad, the challenge gets tougher. 

Jitesh has been consistent in the finisher’s role, proving his ability to score quick runs down the order. Samson, on the other hand, has built his success almost entirely as an opener. 

2. Kuldeep Yadav

This left-arm leg-spinner may struggle to find a place in the playing XI. Team combination is the biggest reason behind this.

In the recent England Test series, many former cricketers and experts repeatedly called for his inclusion. However, India did not pick him in any of the five Tests. The same scenario might continue in the Asia Cup.

India are expected to go with two specialist spinners, two pacers, along with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube as seam-bowling all-rounders. Abhishek Sharma also offers a left-arm spin option, which adds further balance.

The two frontline spinners most likely to feature are Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel. Axar provides the added advantage of being a left-handed batter who can float in the batting order. That versatility makes him a stronger pick compared to others.

For Kuldeep, the only real chance comes if India decide to play three spinners depending on pitch conditions. But with the current balance of the squad and the presence of multiple all-rounders, that possibility looks slim.

3. Harshit Rana

With Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the squad, they look set to be India’s first-choice pacers. That makes it difficult for Harshit Rana to break into the playing XI.

Rana does have skills that can be useful in Dubai. His variations, especially the slower cutters, could prove handy on the traditionally slow pitches there. But even with that advantage, the team management is expected to back Bumrah and Arshdeep. The pair offers a right-arm and left-arm combination, which brings variety and control. 

4. Rinku Singh

This explosive southpaw batter has earned a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, but it appears to be more as a backup option. Looking at India’s current middle-order combination, there seems to be little chance for Rinku Singh to make it into the playing XI. 

Even his recent performances across tournaments, including the IPL, have not been strong enough to force the management to rethink.

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