08 India’s emphatic performance in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England has earned widespread praise, with the Test side showcasing resilience, flair, and dominance.
Yet, as the focus now shifts to the shorter formats, particularly the Asia Cup, a surprising reality emerges — several of India’s red-ball heroes will be missing from the upcoming T20 campaign.
Despite the red-ball success, the T20 squad under the new stewardship of Gautam Gambhir remains largely unchanged.
The selectors appear to have prioritised format-specific planning and workload management over recent Test form, with the squad for the Asia Cup reflecting that ethos.
Here’s a closer look at five key players from the England Test series who won’t be part of the Asia Cup 2025:
Jasprit Bumrah
India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, featured in only three of the five Tests in the England series due to carefully planned workload management.
Even in limited appearances, Bumrah left a lasting impact — claiming 14 wickets at an average of 26, reinforcing his status as India’s premier fast bowler.
His absence from the Asia Cup is not performance-related.
Instead, it’s a continuation of India’s cautious approach in managing his fitness, especially with the Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Bumrah had a productive IPL 2025 as well, scalping 18 wickets with best figures of 4/22 and maintaining a commendable economy rate of 6.68 — yet he remains on the sidelines, resting and recuperating.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul has not featured in India’s T20I setup since the 2022 World Cup, but his exploits in the 2025 IPL seemed enough to force a rethink.
Representing Delhi Capitals, Rahul amassed 539 runs at a blistering strike rate nearing 150 and an impressive average of 53.9.
Despite these stellar numbers, Rahul has once again been overlooked for the Asia Cup.
The selectors appear to be backing the younger brigade, with Sanju Samson firmly established as the first-choice wicketkeeper in the T20 format.
Additionally, emerging talents like Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma are expected to provide the backup options behind the stumps.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
One of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal, finds himself out of the Asia Cup equation due to his commitments with the West Zone squad in the Duleep Trophy.
The left-hander was instrumental for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, hammering 559 runs in 14 matches, continuing his upward trajectory in white-ball cricket.
However, with the selectors sticking to a settled opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson in the T20 setup, Jaiswal’s absence for the Asia Cup is more a matter of timing than talent.
Shubman Gill
Arguably India’s best batter in the England Test series, Shubman Gill ended the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with over 750 runs and a string of match-defining performances.
His ability to adapt and thrive under pressure across conditions marked him out as a generational talent.
Yet, the Asia Cup will go ahead without him. On the other hand, Gill has been appointed captain of the North Zone for the ongoing Duleep Trophy and is being preserved for bigger assignments in the longer formats.
His exclusion also highlights the growing depth in India’s T20 roster, with the team management opting for players who have been consistently part of the T20 framework.
Rishabh Pant
Injuries continue to haunt Rishabh Pant, who missed the final Test against England after sustaining a fracture to his right foot during the Manchester game.
That injury has now ruled him out of the Asia Cup as well.
Pant, once a mainstay in all three formats, has seen his T20 stocks dwindle in recent times.
Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, he hasn’t featured prominently in India’s white-ball plans.
His IPL 2025 performance for Lucknow Super Giants didn’t help his cause either.
Barring a brilliant 118 against RCB, he struggled for consistency, finishing the season with only 269 runs in 14 matches.
Continuity Over Change
With Gautam Gambhir at the helm and a vision for aggressive, fearless cricket, the Indian T20 team is leaning towards continuity and format-specific roles rather than picking players solely based on form across formats.The decision to rest, rotate, or sideline some of the Test stalwarts — even in a tournament as high-profile as the Asia Cup — signals a new direction in India’s white-ball strategy.
While the Test heroes take a well-earned break or shift their focus to red-ball domestic duties, the T20 side will aim to build further momentum as they prepare for a packed calendar leading into 2026.
For now, India’s Test warriors watch from the sidelines — their contributions acknowledged, but their immediate roles, temporarily paused. (Agencies)