Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has unveiled his choice of Indian playing XI for their first game of the Asia Cup 2025. India, which is placed in Group A, will clash with the UAE on September 10, 2025, in Dubai in their first match.

This will be India’s first T20I game after more than six months, and Suryakumar Yadav and his boys will be waiting to get back into the groove for the continental event.

Srikanth chose Abhishek Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill as openers. Srikanth's middle order included Tilak Varma, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and Shivam Dube.

Tilak shined in the recent home T20I series against England and had a good IPL 2025. Suryakumar has retained his place in the team and will lead India in the Asia Cup.

Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel were chosen as the all-rounders by Srikkanth, with Shivam Dube also being chosen for his big-hitting prowess. Jitesh Sharma was picked over Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeping choice by Srikkanth.

Furthermore, Srikkanth chose two seamers in Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, while Varun Chakaravarthy was picked in the spin department.

In the same video, Srikanth expressed that Kuldeep’s exclusion from India’s playing XI would be unfortunate but inevitable.

“Unfortunately, it is sad, but it might happen. You have no choice. Then Shivam Dube and Abhishek will have to bowl an over or two if the sixth bowler option is required. If it is on me, I will play seven batters and play Kuldeep. Do you need a century from a batter at number eight? Kuldeep is capable of scoring some runs, and he has done it in the past," Srikanth said.

Kris Srikkanth’s India playing XI for UAE clash: 

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy