India's legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh has selected a strong squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 which is slated to get underway from September 9. 'Turbanator' has included the star batter Shreyas Iyer in the coveted squad. Harbhajan has also picked other notable players like Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag for the team. However, he didn't keep the likes of Sanju Samson and Tilak in his line-up
Shreyas Iyer in, Sanju Samson out in Harbhajan Singh's Asia Cup squad for Team India
Not just that, he also shared his thoughts on the wicketkeeper-batter role, suggesting that KL Rahul would be a good option. He believes that either Rahul or Rishabh Pant should be considered to take the gloves during the tournament.
"Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh. KL Rahul is a name that I didn't take. He can also be a very, very good option since I am not putting any other keeper. KL can be another option. One of him or Rishabh Pant should be there," Harbhajan told Times of India.
In May, there were reports that KL Rahul might be recalled to the T20I squad for the rescheduled white-ball series against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant's availability for the Asia Cup remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a fractured toe. Another key discussion point for India's Asia Cup 2025 squad is the potential inclusion of Test captain Shubman Gill. However, Harbhajan Singh has endorsed the 25-year-old's inclusion, stating that Gill has the skills to dominate in this format.
"You need to understand that the T20 format is not just about hitting the ball, and if Shubman Gill decides to hit, he is no less than anybody else. The type of batter that he is, he has a solid game. He has strong basics and can score all around the ground, whichever the format. If you look at the IPL, he has scored runs every season. He wears the Orange Cap on his head, and that doesn't come to you, just like that. It is not like he bats at a 120 strike rate; he bats at a strike rate of 160, 150 strike rate," Harbhajan further stated.
"I think he can play the format well and dominate as well. We used to watch fours and sixes, but it is not necessary that in 20 overs, one needs to hit only fours and sixes. We also need someone who can play the big innings," he concluded.
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BCCI haven't announced the India's Asia Cup squad yet. However, Sports Tak has learnt that the Indian cricket board is likely to reveal the squad on August 16 or August 17. It has also been learnt that Shreyas Iyer's name has almost been finalised for the upcoming tournament. However, BCCI is closely monitoring Suryakumar Yadav's recovery after latter's hernia surgery earlier this year.
India, who are placed in Group A, will start their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a clash against UAE on September 10 followed by a key clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. India will then take on Oman on September 19 in their last group-stage match.