As pleasure builds for the Asia Cup 2025, India’s squad announcement has sparked debates amongst followers and consultants alike. Whereas many see the crew as sturdy sufficient to clinch the continental trophy, former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has voiced a contrasting opinion. The veteran believes that though India might fare nicely within the Asia Cup, the present squad lacks the stability and preparation wanted to win the T20 World Cup subsequent yr.
Kris Srikkanth questions India’s World Cup preparation
Srikkanth has strongly criticised the Indian squad chosen for the Asia Cup 2025, elevating severe doubts concerning the crew’s readiness for the mega T20 occasion in 2026. Whereas acknowledging that the present squad might probably win the Asia Cup, Srikkanth bluntly acknowledged that this crew has “no likelihood” of lifting the World Cup trophy with the present composition.
Talking on his YouTube channel, the previous cricketer didn’t maintain again and mentioned: “We’d win the Asia Cup with this crew, however there is no such thing as a likelihood of profitable the T20 World Cup with this bunch. Is that this the preparation for a worldwide match which is simply six months away?”.
Criticism over squad choice
Srikkanth significantly questioned the inclusion of Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana, who had blended outings in IPL 2025. Rinku managed solely 206 runs from 13 matches, whereas Dube, though extra constant, completed with 357 runs for Chennai Tremendous Kings. Rana’s choice was probably the most stunning to Srikkanth, because the pacer was most well-liked forward of Prasidh Krishna, the Purple Cap winner of the season. In response to him, the selectors relied on previous performances relatively than present kind.
“They’ve gone backwards. Axar Patel has been stripped of vice-captaincy, and I don’t know the way Rinku, Dube, and Rana received in. IPL is meant to be the primary choice yardstick, however the decisions don’t replicate that,” added Srikkanth.
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Doubts over India’s batting order
One other space of concern raised by Srikkanth was the dearth of readability round India’s batting order, significantly the No. 5 spot. Historically, Hardik Pandya has occupied that place, however with latest reshuffles, the slot might go to Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, or Shivam Dube—none of whom have cemented themselves as dependable finishers in worldwide cricket. The previous cricketer additionally raised questions on Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s absence from India squad.
“Who will bat at No. 5? Hardik normally takes that slot. Now, Axar Patel can’t be anticipated to come back in at six. I merely can’t perceive the logic behind choosing Dube over somebody like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has confirmed himself each within the IPL and worldwide cricket,” Srikkanth added additional.
Notably, India will open their Asia Cup 2025 marketing campaign in opposition to the UAE on September 10, adopted by a high-voltage conflict with Pakistan on September 14.
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