Asia Cup 2025: Shreyas Iyer, Jitesh Sharma in line for India’s T20I Return

Shreyas Iyer and Jitesh Sharma are likely to be recalled to India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025, beginning September 9 in the UAE. Both players have been out of the T20I setup since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach in July 2024. Shreyas last featured in December 2023, while Jitesh played his last game in January 2024.

Jitesh is tipped to come back as the backup wicketkeeper to Sanju Samson, who is expected to open the innings with Abhishek Sharma. His return could push Dhruv Jurel out of the squad. The 30-year-old was a key player in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title earlier this year.

Shreyas’ selection could come at the expense of either Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh, depending on the balance the selectors want. His experience in the middle order may be seen as vital with an eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.

The bowling department remains a topic of debate. Selectors must choose between recalling Jasprit Bumrah, who has declared himself available, or rewarding IPL 2025 Purple Cap winner Prasidh Krishna. Mohammed Shami will not be considered, as he is set to play the Duleep Trophy.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav, fit again after his sports hernia surgery, will be present at the selection meeting in Mumbai on August 19 alongside chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

While there is speculation about the return of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both are likely to be rested to prepare for the upcoming Test series against West Indies.

India have won 13 of their last 15 T20Is under Gambhir, and the selectors are expected to retain the current core while making only minor changes for the Asia Cup.