The BCCI has confirmed that the five standby players named for the Asia Cup 2025 — Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel — will not be travelling to Dubai with the Indian squad.
When asked if they would accompany the main team as net bowlers or backups, a senior BCCI official told PTI:
“No, the standby players will not be travelling with the main squad to Dubai.”
Why the Decision?
The team management has opted for a lean travelling group, preferring to fly in replacements only if required. With Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson already in the squad as opening options, Jaiswal’s inclusion would only be necessary in case of injury. Similarly, Prasidh Krishna’s services will be called upon only if there is a problem with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, or Harshit Rana.
India Names Only 15 Players
Interestingly, India picked just 15 players despite the Asia Cup provision allowing squads of up to 17. The decision highlights the management’s intent to keep the group compact.
Squad to Assemble Directly in Dubai
Breaking from tradition, the players will not first gather in Mumbai. Instead, they will fly directly from their respective cities to Dubai, where the squad will assemble on September 4. Their first nets session is scheduled for September 5 at the ICC Academy.
An official explained the change in approach:
“To ask players to first come to Mumbai and then fly to Dubai doesn’t make sense. Dubai is just a short flight away.”
Tournament Schedule
India begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, before facing Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19. The Super Four stage will follow the group matches.
Players in Domestic Action
Ahead of the Asia Cup, pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are playing for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav is representing Central Zone.
India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Rinku Singh
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Harshit Rana
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