India's 15-member squad for Asia Cup announced

Squad: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Stand-by players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel

Surya on why Gill named vice captain

"Last time when he played T20 post WC, when we went to SL, he was vice-captain. That's where we started new cycle for T20WC. After that we got busy with Test cricket, and he didn't get opportunities. We're happy to have him.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addresses PC

Agarkar on Jaiswal: "It's unfortunate. With what Abhishek has done over the last year or so, plus he gives us a bowling option is required. One of these guys was always going to miss out."

Agarkar on Shreyas: "Again no fault of his. Got to tell me who he can replace? At the moment, will have to wait for his chance."

'No written roadmap, want him for all the big games': Agarkar on Bumrah

"I don't think there's any written plan. Been a nice break after the England series. Physios, team management been in touch. Clearly we want him available for all the big games. There are WCs, CT, big series like England, Australia - you want him available. Because he's picked up injuries over the last 2-3 years, because of how special and unique it is - it won't change. Based on how he's feeling and how we require him, we hope he's available more often than not."

India before next year's T20 World Cup

* India's T20 season begins with the Asia Cup, where they could feature in up to seven matches if they reach the final. This will be followed by a five-match T20I series in Australia in October-November, before hosting South Africa in December and New Zealand in January for five matches each.

Meeting underway

Finally, a good news

* News comes in that the BCCI secretary and selection convener Devajit Saikia has arrived at the board headquarters in Mumbai, with the meeting set to get underway shortly.

Ashwin bats for Iyer's inclusion

* "If you look at it very logically, there is nothing much to talk about. The team almost picks itself, but if there can be some surprise, I'm genuinely speaking, I've said this before as well, I think Shreyas Iyer deserves to be in that side. But even if Shreyas Iyer makes the cut, it would be a bit of a surprise because every guy who played in the T20 has performed. If Shreyas Iyer has to play, he has to bat at No. 3," R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Another miss on the cards for Jaiswal, Gill?

* Yashasvi Jaiswal was the reserve opener, while Gill travelled as a reserve during India's victorious campaign in last year's T20 World Cup. Since then, scheduling and injuries played a huge role in Jaiswal and Gill missing several bilateral series to prioritise Test cricket.

T20 Asia Cup history

* The Asia Cup has been played in the T20 format twice before - in 2016 and 2022. India won the inaugural edition with an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Mirpur, while Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in the final of the last edition in Dubai.

Super 4 scenarios

* Following the group stage, the tournament will move into the Super 4, featuring the top two teams from each group. If India finish as Group A toppers, all their Super 4 matches will be played in Dubai. However, if they secure the second spot, one fixture will be in Abu Dhabi and the other two in Dubai. The final is scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.

India's group fixtures

* India will open their campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by a high-voltage clash with arch-rival Pakistan on September 14, both in Dubai. Their final group-stage match will be against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Skipper SKY arrives

Toss up between Varun and Kuldeep

* Varun Chakravarthy made the most of Kuldeep Yadav's absence earlier this year against England - India's only T20I series in 2025 - finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets in five matches. Now that Kuldeep has recovered from injury, the selectors face a tough call on whether to pick one of them or include both.

Press conference delayed

* Reports suggest that the selection meeting has been delayed due to heavy rain, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and some selectors yet to arrive in Mumbai. It was scheduled to start at 1:30 PM.

Pace attack looks sorted

* With Jasprit Bumrah available for the tournament, the pace attack appears well-set, complemented by Arshdeep Singh, India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is. The race for the third seamer's slot is likely to be between Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana.

Will Iyer return?

* The batting lineup is expected to feature Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh, with one batting position still open. Shreyas Iyer - who impressed while leading IPL finalists Punjab Kings - might miss out this time, while Jitesh Sharma is tipped to secure the second wicketkeeper’s slot.

Gill likely to miss out

* The selectors are likely to back the current pairing of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. While a third opener slot remains a possibility - with Shubman Gill’s name bound to enter the conversation - Yashasvi Jaiswal stands out as a strong contender for the role.

Build-up to next year's T20 World Cup

* The squad is expected to reflect the mindset of the selectors and the team management, headed by Gautam Gambhir, as they prepare for next year's T20 World Cup.

* Hello and welcome to the live updates of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement as selectors will meet in Mumbai on Tuesday to pick the squad for the eight-team tournament starting September 9 in the UAE.