The BCCI Selection Committee is all set to announce the India squad for Asia Cup 2025 next week. With just days to go for the squad announcement, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will face a huge challenge. The reason is the India vs West Indies Test series, which starts on October 2, just three days after the Asia Cup final on September 28 in Dubai. If India make it to the final, some multi-format players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will have to switch to Test mode in just 72 hours and play in the two-match IND vs WI Test series.
While Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah are guaranteed Playing XI spots in Test and T20I sides, both could miss the Asia Cup final if they are selected. Others like Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav would also be in the mix for both squads. Hence, the selectors must make a smart move, considering the workload, as well as the switching format in mind.
Key dates
- Duleep Trophy: August 28 to September 14
- Asia Cup 2025: September 10 to 28
- IND vs WI Test series: Oct 2-14
- India tour of Australia: October 19 to November 8
Shubman Gill problem
Had it been any other T20 series, the selectors would have rested him from the tournament for Tests. But this is Asia Cup and the first series in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2026. As things stand, Shubman Gill, as the Test captain, is also fighting for a spot in the T20 side after a successful IPL 2025 campaign. But there is a problem. Gill, who scored 754 runs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, will lead the North Zone in the Duleep Trophy (first-class match), starting September 28.
He is likely to miss the 2nd match of the Duleep Trophy if he is selected for the Asia Cup, as India’s first match against the UAE is on September 10. If India play the Asia Cup final on Sep 28, Gill will have to travel back the next day to Ahmedabad and prepare for the West Indies series, starting on October 2. The BCCI selection committee may not rush Gill’s return to T20Is and will stick to Sanju Samson in the meantime.
What about Yashasvi Jaiswal?
Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal, another Test regular, will play Duleep Trophy for West Zone. Jaiswal is also in the running to return to the T20I side after a successful run in IPL 2025. While Jaiswal is not as strong a contender as Gill in Asia Cup, if he does get a place in the continental tournament, he will have to juggle between two formats in a short period.
After turning out for West Zone in the first match on September 4, he will have to travel to the UAE for Asia Cup before the first match. Then, he will have to return home and prepare for the IND vs WI series after the Asia Cup final. The selectors may not want to pick both Gill and Jaiswal for Asia Cup.
Shreyas Iyer dilemma
While Shreyas Iyer wasn’t in the Test squad for the England tour, there is a strong chance that he returns to the setup for the West Indies series. But more importantly, he has done everything to earn a recall to the T20I side. However, like Jaiswal and Gill, Iyer will also play Duleep Trophy.
He hasn’t been named captain for the West Zone. That could be a hint that Iyer makes it to the India squad for Asia Cup 2025. If he is to play the Asia Cup, Iyer could very well miss the West Indies series. Selectors won’t force players to switch formats in such a short turnaround time.
Washington Sundar-Kuldeep Yadav
Considering the pitches in the UAE will assist slow bowlers and spinners, India could look at Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav as options. Both players are also set to feature in the Test series against West Indies.
However, unlike Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar is not playing in the Duleep Trophy. If one has to take the hint, Sundar is likely for Asia Cup, while selectors could prefer Ravi Bishnoi over Kuldeep. For the Test series, selectors will go with both. But if that is to happen, Sundar will have to switch format within 72 hours.
Jasprit Bumrah-Mohd Siraj
After heroics in the final Test against England, Mohd Siraj is back in the scheme of things for Asia Cup. With no Duleep Trophy for him, Siraj will be available for a return to the T20I side. Similarly, after enjoying a long break, Jasprit Bumrah would be warming up for a packed calendar with Asia Cup. While India do not need him in the Test series against West Indies at home, he will certainly be among the names.
Hence, if Bumrah plays in Asia Cup, he too will have to switch formats in no time. Siraj, who has escaped all the talk about workload management, will certainly play against the West Indies. But could miss the Asia Cup 2025.
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