The BCCI, under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, has announced the Indian team for the Asia Cup. Team India will play its first match on September 10. This time, there were several surprising decisions in the team selection.
Sports News: The BCCI has announced the Indian cricket team for the Asia Cup 2025. This time, Suryakumar Yadav has been given the responsibility of captaincy, while Shubman Gill will be the vice-captain. India will play its first match on September 10. After the announcement of the team, there was a lot of discussion about the names of several veteran players. Especially the absence of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer remained in the headlines.
Meanwhile, some players have been included in the squad who have very little chance of being included in the playing eleven. Let's know about those four players who have got a name in the Asia Cup, but are unlikely to get a chance.
1. Abhishek Sharma – Tough Competition for Opening Slot
Before the selection of the Indian team, there was a lot of speculation about the opening slot. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar praised Abhishek Sharma and said that it is difficult to keep him out of the squad as he can contribute in both batting and bowling. But the problem is that Shubman Gill has been made the vice-captain and he himself is a permanent opening option. At the same time, team's main wicketkeeper Sanju Samson can also open.
In this situation, it seems difficult for Abhishek Sharma to be included in the playing eleven. He is definitely a part of the squad, but with Gill and Samson present, he is unlikely to get a chance in the initial matches.
2. Harshit Rana – Challenge Among Experienced Bowlers
Fast bowler Harshit Rana has got a place in the Asia Cup squad for the first time. However, he faces the challenge of the presence of experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Bumrah is returning from injury and is the team's most reliable bowler. At the same time, Arshdeep has secured his place in the team by performing brilliantly in the last few years.
Due to this, Harshit Rana has been included as a backup pacer. Unless a major fast bowler is rested, it will be difficult for Harshit to open the door to the playing eleven.
3. Shivam Dube – Hardik Pandya's Backup
Shivam Dube has been included in the team as a pace-bowling all-rounder. But here also he faces the challenge of Hardik Pandya, who has been the frontline all-rounder of the Indian team for a long time. If Hardik is completely fit and in form, then it will become almost impossible for Dube to play. He has been included in the squad as Hardik's backup.
However, if the team needs an extra batting option or a medium pacer is required on slow pitches, Dube may get a chance. But this possibility seems unlikely.
4. Jitesh Sharma – Backup Wicketkeeper
The fourth name in this list is Jitesh Sharma. He has been selected in the squad as a backup wicketkeeper to Sanju Samson. Samson has been performing consistently well in recent months and has become the first choice of the team management. As long as Sanju is fit and available, there is no question of including Jitesh in the playing eleven.
However, if Sanju gets injured or is rested, only then will the door open for Jitesh. Otherwise, he may have to spend most of the Asia Cup on the bench. The size of the squad in cricket is large so that any situation can be dealt with. But this also means that every player does not get a chance to play. With experienced players present, young or new faces remain in the backup role only.
