Former cricketer Aakash Chopra predicted India’s expected squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
Chopra believes India won’t make many changes to the core unit that played their last T20I series against England earlier this year. He expressed doubts over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability and completely ruled out Mohammad Shami.
While Jasprit Bumrah’s availability could depend on his participation in the upcoming fifth Test versus England, Mohammad Shami is not even in the contention, as per Chopra.
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Aakash Chopra Unsure About Jasprit Bumrah’s Availability for Asia Cup 2025, Rules Out Mohammad Shami
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said Bumrah’s participation will depend on whether he plays the fifth Test at The Oval, starting July 31. If he is rested, Chopra feels that’s a strong indicator he’s being preserved for the Asia Cup.
"Bumrah, once again, availability will be a question. However, if he is available, because if he doesn't play the fifth Test as well, then he should be playing the Asia Cup, is what I am thinking. It will be interesting to see what sort of team is picked, but it cannot be too dissimilar to the one that was picked last time," said Chopra as quoted on his YouTube channel.
On Shami, Chopra was far more certain. The senior pacer, who returned from injury earlier this year and featured in the Champions Trophy 2025, was been part of India’s Test plans in England.
"I can almost guarantee that Mohammad Shami won't be there in that because Shami was only being played to test his fitness and prepare him for the Champions Trophy. Now that the bus has sailed, and if he is not part of Tests, I don't see him playing T20 cricket at this point in time," he added.
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India’s Road Ahead in Asia Cup 2025
The tournament will be held from September 9 to 28 with India in the same group as Pakistan, UAE and Oman.
India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against UAE on September 10. They will face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. Their final group stage game will be against Oman on September 19. The final will be played on September 28.
Also read: Asia Cup 2025: Continental Cup set to be played in UAE between September 9 to 28
