"Pick best openers, finishers & rest can…" - Ex-cricketer reveals India’s strategy for Asia Cup 2025

Former cricketer Priyank Panchal has shared his thoughts on the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9. Panchal stated that the team should pick openers and finishers, while the middle-order batsmen should adjust their positions based on match situations.

The team last featured in a T20I series in February 2025, defeating England 4-1 on home soil. After a six-month break from the format, they are preparing to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma have been the top-order batsmen for Team India in recent series.

We Obsess Too Much Over Batting Positions in T20s - Priyank Panchal

Priyank Panchal said that focusing on fixed batting positions in T20 cricket is unnecessary. He added that the middle order should be flexible based on the match situation to maximize performance.

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“I think we obsess too much over batting positions in T20s for the sake of endless discussions and analysis. Just pick the best openers, best finishers, and the rest can float around as per the situation," Panchal wrote during an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on ‘X’ on Sunday.

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, could make changes in the batting lineup after IPL 2025. Players such as Test captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul would be in contention for selection for the eight-team tournament.

India Set to Face Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A of the Asia Cup 2025

India are set to compete in Group A of the 2025 Asia Cup alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. They will play group matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The Men in Blue will begin their campaign with a game against the UAE on September 10, followed by a high-profile clash with Pakistan on September 14. They will conclude the group stage against Oman on September 19.

The Asia Cup will feature eight teams in the T20I format in preparation for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong have been placed in Group B. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Fours.

Asia Cup 2025 to Follow T20 Format Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The 2025 Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format, with an eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. This focuses on the shortest format as teams gear up for the global event.

India are the reigning Asia Cup champions, having won the 2023 edition, which was played as a 50-over tournament ahead of the ODI World Cup. India defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final.

Mohammed Siraj delivered a remarkable bowling performance, taking 6 wickets for 21 runs and dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. It is worth mentioning that Sri Lanka were the last T20I format winners, beating Pakistan in the 2022 final.

Also read: Lasith Malinga rebels against MS Dhoni, orders Matheesha Pathirana to play Test cricket