Asia Cup 2025 India squad- Shreyas Iyer in a direct fight with....

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to unveil India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup on Tuesday, August 19. Ahead of the announcement, there has been discussion around one selection spot, with the choice expected to be between Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar for the tournament.

India will return to international action at the Asia Cup 2025 after a month-long break that followed their five-match Test series in England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has cleared his fitness test and will be available to lead the side in the upcoming eight-team tournament.

Selection Debate Between Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar

According to The Indian Express, the selection for the squad could hinge on whether the team opts for a specialist batter or an all-rounder. Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag are being considered as batting options, while Washington Sundar is in contention for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

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Shreyas Iyer offers composure against spin and valuable leadership experience, having guided two IPL franchises to consecutive finals. His inclusion would strengthen India’s batting lineup. The final call is likely to come down to Sundar or Iyer.

"It is learnt that the selection committee will discuss whether to go ahead with a specialist batsman in Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh or Riyan Parag. Or they might even go with the all-rounder Washington Sundar," the report read.

Shreyas Iyer Has Been Absent From T20Is Since December 2023

Shreyas Iyer has been absent from T20Is since December 2023, which has raised eyebrows. The 30-year-old had a stellar IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings (PBKS), scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of over 175 and guiding the franchise to their first final in more than a decade.

However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a six-run victory in the IPL 2025 final. Iyer’s chances of returning to the T20I side remain slim, with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma cementing the No. 3 and No. 4 spots.

Overall, Iyer has played 51 T20Is, amassing 1,104 runs at an average of just over 30, with eight fifties to his name. Since Gautam Gambhir took charge as India’s head coach in mid-2024, he has been overlooked for the shortest format.

India May Opt for an All-Rounder; Washington Sundar a Strong Contender

India may back an all-rounder for the conditions, and Washington Sundar fits the bill. He can score quick runs down the order while providing control with his off-spin.

Sundar proved his worth in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, rescuing the team with crucial lower-order runs and taking key wickets. He was also part of India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai earlier this year, showing he can deliver on similar pitches.

With head coach Gautam Gambhir preferring depth in both batting and bowling, Sundar’s chances of making the squad look strong.

Also read: Ishan Kishan gets in serious trouble before Asia Cup 2025