The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided that the standby players named for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 will not travel to Dubai with the main squad.
As per reports, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel—the five standby players—will stay back in India. They may only be flown in later if injuries or emergencies arise during the tournament.
When asked if any of the standby players would accompany the squad as net bowlers or for backup purposes, a senior BCCI official clarified:
“No, the standby players will not be travelling with the main squad to Dubai.”
The decision indicates the team management’s preference for a lean and streamlined travelling contingent, with replacements to be arranged only if absolutely necessary.
Currently, India already have multiple options in key positions. For instance, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson can open the batting, making Jaiswal a reserve choice in case of injury. Similarly, Prasidh Krishna would only come into contention if the pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, or Harshit Rana faces any setbacks.
Interestingly, India opted for a 15-member squad despite the tournament allowing up to 17 players.
Logistics and Preparations
The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will assemble in Dubai on September 4. Breaking away from tradition, players will not gather in Mumbai first; instead, they will fly directly from their respective cities to Dubai.
“All the players will arrive in Dubai by September 4 evening and the first nets session will be held on September 5 at the ICC Academy,” an official said, citing logistical convenience as the main reason.
India will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by marquee clashes against Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19. The Super Four stage will commence thereafter.
Current Player Engagements
Several squad members are already in action in domestic tournaments. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are featuring for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals, while Kuldeep Yadav is representing Central Zone against North East Zone.
India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025
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Suryakumar Yadav (C)
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Shubman Gill (VC)
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Abhishek Sharma
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Tilak Varma
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Hardik Pandya
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Shivam Dube
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Axar Patel
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Jitesh Sharma (WK)
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Arshdeep Singh
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Varun Chakaravarthy
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Sanju Samson (WK)
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Harshit Rana
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Rinku Singh
