Indian players who were a part of 2022 Asia Cup but wouldn't be in 2025

Published - 07 Sept 2025, 16:55 IST | Updated - 07 Sept 2025, 18:00 IST

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup begins on September 9 and runs till September 28, with matches being played across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. While India was the official host, heightened political tensions with Pakistan led to the entire event being shifted to a neutral venue, making the UAE the natural choice.

This edition sees eight teams competing for the very first time. Alongside the big teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, three associate nations, the UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, have earned their place through the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. The format will see teams divided into two groups, with the top two from each moving into the Super Four stage.

Meanwhile, the last Asia Cup played in T20 format was in 2022, which was also hosted by the UAE. India managed to win only three games across five contests, including two defeats in the Super Four stage. Out of the 17 players who were part of that team, only four are picked in the upcoming edition. The rest, 13 in total, have either retired, been sidelined, or fallen out of the setup.

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India’s 2022 Asia Cup squad was led by Rohit Sharma and featured players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Dinesh Karthik. Alongside them, names such as Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, and Deepak Hooda were also added.

Despite entering as favourites, the team had a disappointing campaign. They began with a win against Pakistan but failed in the Super Four stage, losing crucial matches to Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Eventually, Sri Lanka went on to clinch the title after defeating the Men in Green in the summit clash.

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Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi

India’s batting looked strong on paper. With Rohit, Rahul, and Kohli forming the top order. The inclusion of finishers like Karthik and all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Jadeja gave the line-up the much-needed depth. In spin-friendly UAE conditions, the team had quality spinners in Yuzvendra Chahal, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Bishnoi.

The frontline fast-bowling unit was poor. With Jasprit Bumrah injured, India relied on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep, and Avesh Khan, none of whom could consistently deliver at the death. Avesh’s expensive spells, along with Bhuvneshwar’s declining pace, exposed the attack. Moreover, the batting often felt slow against quality bowling, with the top order struggling to accelerate in crucial moments.

In 2025, India’s squad has seen a complete transformation. Under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, the team includes young and dynamic players who are T20 specialists. Notably, only four players, Suryakumar, Hardik, Axar, and Arshdeep, have been retained from the 2022 squad. Legends like Rohit, Virat, Ashwin, and Jadeja have since retired, while Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul failed to get their spots due to injuries or inconsistent form. Players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Deepak Hooda have also moved away from the setup.

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Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

India’s biggest strength in 2025 is its fearless batting attack. Abhishek, Tilak, and Rinku Singh have struck the ball at over 150. Alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill at the top and Surya in the middle, the batting order is one of the most aggressive India has ever fielded in T20Is.

The all-round options include Hardik and Shivam Dube, while Axar brings a spin-bowler and a batting option in the end. Tilak and Abhishek can chip in with overs too, making this one of India’s most flexible line-ups. Bowling is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack.

The decision to back batting-heavy combinations often puts India with just five reliable bowlers. If one has an off day, the lack of depth can backfire. Unlike other nations whose bowlers double up as hitters, India’s tail is early, raising questions about finishing power at No. 8 or 9.

Players like Rinku and Dube, who thrive with time in the middle, might struggle if pushed down the order in quickfire finishing roles. Additionally, while Bumrah remains world-class, his fitness is always under question after missing long stretches in recent years.