Irfan Pathan picked Sanju Samson in India’s Asia Cup playing XI at number 5, but left out Rinku Singh.
The 2025 Asia Cup will begin on September 9, with matches in T20I format across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Eight teams will compete in the tournament. Before India’s campaign starts, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his strongest playing XI on his YouTube channel.
Pathan chose Abhishek Sharma, the world’s No. 1 T20I batter, to open alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill. Tilak Varma, ranked No. 2 in T20Is, was placed at No. 3, while Suryakumar Yadav was named captain and slotted at No. 4. Despite concerns that Gill’s role might push out Sanju Samson, Pathan included him as wicketkeeper at No. 5.
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Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel were picked as all-rounders. The bowling attack includes Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.
Irfan Pathan’s Strongest India XI for Asia Cup
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
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Last Updated on September 6, 2025
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