The IPL has always been the biggest audition for India’s white-ball teams. Perform well there, and a national call-up is often just around the corner. But when it comes to the Asia Cup 2025, the equation isn’t that simple. With the tournament running just days before the India vs West Indies Test series, selectors are weighing workloads, format-specific plans and squad balance. That means even some of IPL 2025’s brightest performers could be left out when Ajit Agarkar and his panel announce the squad on August 19.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul enjoyed one of his most fluent IPL seasons with Delhi Capitals, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 149.72. It was commendable that it was his maiden season with DC and Rahul’s position was changed as well.
Yet, with Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel and other keepers in the mix, Rahul appears to be out of the T20I plans. Also, Rahul played his last T20I way back in 2022. It was the infamous semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022. His absence from recent T20 squads shows that the selectors are moving towards a younger, more aggressive top order.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
The Rajasthan Royals opener hit 559 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 159.71, finishing seventh on the tournament’s run charts. His aggressive intent in the powerplay remains one of his biggest strengths. It also makes him a tempting option.
However, Jaiswal is a key part of India’s Test team and will turn out for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy starting September 4. The selectors have reportedly asked him to focus on red-ball cricket for now, with the Test series against West Indies starting just three days after the Asia Cup final.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer had a prolific IPL 2025, scoring 650 runs and guiding his franchise not just with bat but with leadership as well. Leaving Shreyas Iyer out of the Asia Cup squad could prove to be a missed opportunity for India.
Few players have shown his level of composure and match-winning ability in white-ball cricket over the past two years. After his heroics in the 2023 ODI World Cup and a strong run in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Iyer reinforced why he is considered one of India’s best middle-order batters.
In IPL 2025, he piled up 650 runs with trademark fluency against spin and the knack for shifting gears when the situation demanded. With such form and experience, his exclusion could be an opportunity missed. However, unfortunately for Iyer, there’s no place in the batting order with Samson, Abhishek, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav in the mix.
Sai Sudharsan
On an individual level, IPL 2025 belonged to Sai Sudharsan, who was the standout batter of IPL 2025, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 759 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 156.17. He struck one century and six fifties, dominating every bowler that came in his way.
Unfortunately for him, India’s T20 top order is crowded, and his preferred role at No. 3 or opening is locked up by more established names. Unless there is an injury, Sudharsan may have to wait for his chance.
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s IPL workload was carefully managed, and he remained as lethal as ever with the new ball and at the death. In most situations, his place in any T20 squad is a given. But with the West Indies Tests following immediately after the Asia Cup, there is a possibility he could be rested from the continental event to focus on red-ball duties. Given his importance across formats, the selectors may choose to manage his bowling load ahead of a long home and away season. Also, India won the entire ODI Champions Trophy without him.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Will Gambhir try Rishabh Pant or Nitish Reddy in IND vs SA 3rd ODI with series on the line?
Top Stories
