India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 title defence at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10. The tournament presents India with the chance to extend its dominance in Asian cricket and secure a record ninth title.

The Men in Blue’s 15-man squad will be led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, while Shubman Gill returns to the T20I squad as vice-captain. The leadership duo brings together Yadav’s attacking style and Gill’s calm presence, aiming to guide India through another strong campaign.

The batting line-up combines youth and experience. Abhishek Sharma and Gill are expected to open, while the middle order has several options, including Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh.

Pandya enters the competition with a unique milestone, becoming the first Indian to feature in every T20 edition of the Asia Cup.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma also adds more depth and flexibility to the batting unit.

In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace attack, supported by left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh and young pacer Harshit Rana. The spin trio of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy is expected to play a key role in the UAE conditions that traditionally favour slower bowlers.

The tournament features eight teams split into two groups. India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE make up Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka are placed in Group B. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, with the final scheduled for 28 September in Dubai.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 schedule and India match start times

All times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Day and Date

Match

Venue

Time (IST)

Wednesday, September 10

India vs United Arab Emirates

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

8:00 PM

Sunday, September 14

India vs Pakistan

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

8:00 PM

Friday, September 19

India vs Oman

Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

8:00 PM

Indian men’s cricket team squad for Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (Wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (Wicket-keeper), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel

Image Courtesy: BCCI