The Asia Cup 2025 is drawing near, commencing on September 9th, with the final on September 28th. The tournament will be in the T20 format due to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. While the Indian squad is yet to be announced, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will soon reveal the team. A key point of discussion is which players will make the cut. Notably, some players with impressive performances in IPL 2025 might not be selected. Here are five players facing potential exclusion.
**KL Rahul:** Rahul’s performance for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 was outstanding, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 149.72. He consistently delivered strong performances in various batting positions. However, the team’s selection committee may find the wicketkeeping situation challenging, as Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel are also contenders. Rahul’s last T20 appearance was in 2022, with the team subsequently favoring young, aggressive top-order batsmen.
**Yashasvi Jaiswal:** Jaiswal, playing for Rajasthan Royals, scored 559 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 159.71, ranking seventh in the tournament for runs scored. However, India’s opening slots have been filled by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson recently, and Shubman Gill is another opener option. Jaiswal is being prioritized for Test format matches. The team has several other opening choices. He might be rested for the Asia Cup 2025 to focus on the two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2nd.
**Shreyas Iyer:** Iyer scored 650 runs for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, captaining the team and leading them to the final. Despite his strong showing, his Asia Cup 2025 participation could be jeopardized. India’s middle order boasts formidable players such as Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh, possibly resulting in Iyer’s exclusion.
**Sai Sudharsan:** Sudharsan had a remarkable IPL 2025 season, amassing 759 runs in 15 matches with a strike rate of 156.17, including a century and six half-centuries. He demonstrated aggressive batting against both pace and spin. Experience will likely be favored for the number three position in the T20 format. While Tilak Varma is younger, he has more international cricket experience than Sudharsan. Tilak Varma or Suryakumar Yadav may get the nod at number three, potentially leaving Sudharsan awaiting his opportunity.
**Jasprit Bumrah:** Bumrah’s recent injury history has led to careful management of his workload. Although he performed well in the IPL, he only participated in three matches of the five-match Test series against England.
He might be rested for the Asia Cup. India is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against the West Indies immediately following the tournament. Given Bumrah’s importance across all formats for India, the Indian board may prioritize his involvement in the Test format.