The continental tournament will be played in UAE from September 9 to September 28.
The Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20, set to be announced on Tuesday (August 19), could present a tricky challenge for Ajit Agarkar's selection panel, with some tough calls expected.
With a few days remaining for the squad announcement, legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh unveiled his preferred lineup for the continental tournament, slated to be held in UAE from September 9 to September 28.
The likes of Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma didn’t feature in Harbhajan’s team as he went with Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are yet to play a T20I match in 2025 due to a combination of their involvement in other formats and the pecking order.
Instead of Samson, Harbhajan wants one of KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant in the team as the wicketkeeper. His bowling options included three seamers, including Mohammed Siraj, who was sidelined from India’s white-ball setup earlier this year.
Harbhajan also named three spin all-rounders, including Riyan Parag, alongside one specialist tweaker in Kuldeep Yadav.
“KL Rahul is a name that I didn’t take," Harbhajan said in an interview with TOI. “He can also be a very, very good option since I am not putting any other keeper. KL can be another option. One of him or Rishabh Pant should be there".
Harbhajan explained his call to back Gill for the shortest format despite the Indian Test captain drawing criticism over his T20 strike rate in recent years.
After the blockbuster England tour, where he amassed 754 runs in five Test matches, there has been a growing consensus over wanting Gill's return to T20Is.
“I think he can play the format well and dominate as well. We used to watch fours and sixes, but it is not necessary that in 20 overs, one needs to hit only fours and sixes. We also need someone who can play the big innings," Harbhajan remarked.
India will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the UAE on September 10.
Harbhajan Singh’s India squad for Asia Cup 2025: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.