India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is finally out, ending weeks of speculation but sparking new debates. Announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav, the line-up has confirmed who made the cut and who was left out of the India squad.
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3 Likely Indian Bench Players In Asia Cup 2025
Yet, with competition for spots fierce, the real intrigue now lies in which players will make the playing XI and which could end up as bench players in Asia Cup 2025, watching the action unfold from the sidelines.
1. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson’s place in the Asia Cup 2025 squad has raised more questions than answers. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar openly admitted that Samson was only filling in as an opener when Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were unavailable due to Test commitments. With Gill returning as vice-captain and Abhishek Sharma showing enough consistency to claim the other opening slot, Samson suddenly finds himself pushed down the order. To add to that, the management appears to be investing heavily in Jitesh Sharma as the primary wicketkeeping option, making Samson’s role even more limited.
Related Article：Sanju Samson to Be Left Out? How the Playing XI Puzzle Just Got More Complicated
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This situation leaves Samson in a tricky spot. His versatility as a batter is unquestionable, and he does bring explosive stroke play to the table. However, unless the team decides to shuffle the batting order or an injury crops up, Samson looks more likely to spend his time as a backup rather than a frontline starter. Despite his undeniable talent, he may have to be patient and wait for conditions, or circumstances, that force the management to slot him in.
2. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh has quickly established himself as one of India’s most exciting finishers in T20 cricket, but the Asia Cup might not be where his breakthrough comes. Ajit Agarkar’s comments suggested that even someone as experienced and proven as Shreyas Iyer couldn’t make it into the XI, which makes Rinku’s chances slimmer. With Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel already locked in as finishers who also provide bowling options, Rinku doesn’t currently offer the same level of versatility to edge his way into the playing XI.
🚨 DOUBTS ON RINKU SINGH’S PLACE FOR ASIA CUP 🚨
– The position of Rinku Singh in the Team India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025 is under scrutiny. (PTI). pic.twitter.com/iusJSQse6D
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 15, 2025
Still, Rinku remains a valuable squad member. His calmness under pressure and ability to clear the ropes at will are rare qualities that India may want to keep in reserve. Should there be a collapse in the middle order or a need for extra firepower against a tricky opponent, Rinku could be called upon to showcase his trademark big-hitting. For now, though, his inclusion seems more like long-term grooming than immediate deployment, meaning much of his Asia Cup could be spent waiting on the sidelines.
3. Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana’s selection reflects India’s intent to build a pool of promising fast bowlers, but his chances of making the XI appear slim for now. With Jasprit Bumrah fit and declared as the spearhead of the pace attack, and Arshdeep Singh offering the valuable left-arm variation, the frontline seam bowling slots are essentially locked. Hardik Pandya’s ability to chip in as the third seamer adds further depth, leaving little room for Rana in a fully-fit squad.
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That said, Rana’s presence is not without purpose. He serves as a much-needed backup should Bumrah need rest for workload management or if conditions favor an extra pacer. His raw pace and aggressive bowling style make him a good option for future grooming, but in the current setup, he is unlikely to displace the senior bowlers. Unless unexpected injuries or tactical surprises arise, Rana’s role in the Asia Cup 2025 may be limited to carrying drinks and observing from the dugout.
The journey for next year’s T20 World Cup starts from the Asia Cup – Captain @surya_14kumar #TeamIndia #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/szrotf3Orw
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2025
While the announcement of the squad has ended speculation about who was left out of the India squad, the bigger talking point now is who among the chosen will play. From the current team composition and the selectors’ words, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana appear the most probable bench players in Asia Cup 2025.
Our Opinions：Who Should Not Be Left Out?
Personally, we’d love to see Rinku Singh get a chance in the middle. Yes, he’s probably among the likely bench players in Asia Cup 2025, but his fearless hitting and calmness under pressure make him such an exciting prospect. India’s middle order already looks packed, but Rinku has that rare X-factor, someone who can turn a match on its head in just a few overs. Even if his chances are slim this time, it would be refreshing to watch him prove why fans rave about him every IPL season. Sometimes, one cameo is all it takes to leave a mark.
The Road Ahead
As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, the squad looks both formidable and balanced, but the challenge will be in finalizing the best XI from such a competitive pool. While names like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana may be left out of the India Squad, their presence reflects the depth and flexibility this team carries into the tournament.
The campaign begins on 10th September against the UAE, followed by the blockbuster clash against Pakistan on 14th September, before closing the group stage against Oman on the 19th. With such high-stakes fixtures lined up, the management’s choices will be under the spotlight, and every player, whether on the field or in the dugout, will play a role in shaping India’s journey.
