Asia Cup 2025 in UAE: India Set to Test New T20 Core Ahead of 2026 World Cup
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Fresh from a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, India now turns their focus to white-ball cricket, with the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE from September 9. With the T20 World Cup just six months away, the tournament is set to be a testing ground for a new-look T20 core, as several senior players manage injuries or phase out of the format.
Shubman Gill headlines the potential returnees; his strong IPL showing of 650 runs at a strike rate of 155 puts him back in the T20 mix and even on the radar for long-term leadership. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan are also in contention, the latter fresh from winning the IPL Orange Cap with 759 runs.
With only six matches (assuming India reaches the September 28 final) and a home Test series vs. West Indies starting just three days later, selectors face a balancing act between form and workload management.
With only six matches (assuming India reaches the September 28 final) and a home Test series vs. West Indies starting just three days later, selectors face a balancing act between form and workload management.
Names like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma add to the selection puzzle, with only 17 squad spots available. With the UAE offering similar conditions to next year’s India-Sri Lanka-hosted World Cup, the Asia Cup will be as much about team-building as it is about winning.
