The Asia Cup 2025 is set to begin on September 9th, culminating in the final on September 28th. The tournament is highly anticipated by fans. The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format, aligning with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Although the Indian team selection is pending, the board is expected to make announcements soon. One of the main questions is which players will earn a spot in the Indian team. Some Indian players who had outstanding performances in IPL 2025 might not be included. Here’s a look at five players who might be at risk.
**KL Rahul:** Rahul, playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, had a remarkable performance, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 149.72. He proved his versatility by performing well in every batting position he was assigned. However, the Indian selectors may be faced with a decision regarding the wicketkeeping options, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel also in contention. Rahul last played a T20 in 2022, and the T20 team has since been focusing on younger, aggressive batsmen for the top order.
**Yashasvi Jaiswal:** Representing Rajasthan Royals, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 559 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 159.71, finishing among the top run-getters. However, the opening roles for India have recently been filled by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, and Shubman Gill is also an option. Jaiswal is prioritized in the Test format. The team also has several alternative opening batsmen. He might be rested for the Asia Cup 2025 to prepare for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting on October 2nd.
**Shreyas Iyer:** Shreyas Iyer scored 650 runs in IPL 2025 for Punjab Kings, where he also served as captain, leading the team to the final. Yet, his chances of playing in the Asia Cup 2025 might be slim. India’s middle order is filled with talented players like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh, which could result in Iyer’s exclusion.
**Sai Sudharsan:** Sai Sudharsan had an impressive IPL 2025 season, scoring 759 runs in 15 matches with a strike rate of 156.17. He also scored a century and six half-centuries. He showcased aggressive batting against both fast bowlers and spinners. An experienced player is likely to be preferred at number three in the T20 format. Though Tilak Varma is young, he has more international cricket experience than Sudharsan. Tilak Varma or Suryakumar Yadav could potentially be selected to bat at number three, meaning Sudharsan may have to wait.
**Jasprit Bumrah:** Jasprit Bumrah’s frequent injuries have prompted careful management of his workload. He performed well in the IPL. Bumrah played in only three of the five matches in the Test series against England.
He may be rested for the Asia Cup, given that India has a two-match Test series against the West Indies immediately after the tournament. The Indian board likely wants Bumrah, a player for all formats, to focus on the Test format.