No Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli! Young Guns To Lead In Asia Cup 2025
The Indian cricket team currently holds both Asia Cup and Champions Trophy titles, making it imperative to defend its dominance in upcoming tournaments.
With India set to host Asia Cup 2025, expectations are high, and head coach Gautam Gambhir has already begun preparations to build a formidable squad.
However, ahead of the tournament, there’s disappointing news for fans of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The two legends, who played a key role in India’s Asia Cup 2023 triumph, will not be part of the squad this time. But why are they missing from such a crucial tournament?
Why Rohit & Kohli won’t play in Asia Cup 2025?
The primary reason lies in the tournament format. The Asia Cup was previously held in the ODI format, but in recent years, the ICC has shifted it to T20. After leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 internationals. As a result, they will not be available for selection in the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled for September-October.
Suryakumar Yadav to lead a young Indian squad
With Rohit and Kohli stepping away from T20Is, the captaincy baton has been passed to Suryakumar Yadav. Known for his aggressive style and fearless approach, Suryakumar has never lost a bilateral series as captain. However, the Asia Cup 2025 will be his first major multinational tournament as India’s full-time T20I skipper.
India’s squad is expected to feature a blend of young talents and experienced players. Ishan Kishan is likely to return as the wicketkeeper-batsman, while Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Axar Patel will form the batting core.
On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the attack, with Harshit Rana, Mohammad Siraj, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi as key options.
What’s next for Team India?
While the absence of Rohit and Kohli marks the end of an era, it also presents an opportunity for India’s next generation to prove their mettle. Under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir and the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, Team India will look to retain the Asia Cup.Mitchell Marsh put a strange condition in front of LSG to play IPL 2025, the franchise was forced to agree
