The Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement on Tuesday will test Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel with tough decisions ahead. Shubman Gill inclusion and Rinku Singh’s uncertain spot have become the main talking points, with both names sparking debate among selectors and fans.
Rinku became a household name in the 2022 IPL after smashing five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal for Kolkata Knight Riders, earning the tag of a designated finisher. However, his role has diminished. In IPL 2024, he faced only 113 balls, followed by 134 in 2025, raising doubts about his selection.
Even under Gautam Gambhir mentorship in 2024, the Aligarh southpaw had a restricted role, making him far from an automatic choice for the Asia Cup or the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.
Selector’s View on Automatic Picks
“If all are fit and available, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (batter-keeper), Tilak Varma, skipper Surya Kumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are automatic selections in top-five,” a former national selector told PTI.
The possible return of Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both with impressive IPL numbers, adds further complexity. “We often hear people saying, one should pick so and so, but no one would be able to definitively tell us ‘in place of whom’? Shreyas Iyer has 600 runs at a strike-rate of 180 but he bats in top four. Where is the place for him? Even as you include Shubman as he is flavour of the season, where do you cut corners,” the selector added.
Rinku Singh’s Asia Cup Fate on the Line
He continued, “You can’t disturb your top five right now and also pick Shubman. And if you pick Shubman now, obviously the Test captain and IPL team captain won’t sit out. So where do you make the compromise? I only see Rinku’s spot being iffy as he isn’t required as much some of the top order batters. And mind it, we aren’t even talking about Jaiswal.”
The Asia Cup squad will be announced on August 19, marking India’s first competitive outing since the Test series against England. Gill’s strong form as Gujarat Titans captain in 2024 and 2025 strengthens his case. Meanwhile, Gambhir’s approach suggests limited scope for one-dimensional middle and lower-order batters, putting Rinku Singh fate in the spotlight.
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