India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 was announced on August 19, but former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh was far from impressed. Harbhajan criticized BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar for leaving out two players with potential ‘X-factor’ from the squad. The team was revealed by Agarkar and India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav in Mumbai.
The squad included some surprises, notably Shubman Gill being named vice-captain over Yashasvi Jaiswal, signaling a clear path for Gill to lead India across all formats in the near future. Additionally, Prasidh Krishna was omitted in favor of Harshit Rana, whose batting ability at No. 8 gave him the edge.
However, Harbhajan felt that pacer Mohammed Siraj should have been included. “Siraj bowled very well in the recent series. Yes, he bowled a lot in England, but he also got adequate rest. He could have strengthened the bowling unit, and the ‘X-factor’ he brings might be missed,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
This marks the second multi-team tournament Siraj has missed. He was also left out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and last played a T20I for India in 2024 against Sri Lanka.
“I had hoped”—Harbhajan Singh reacts to Shreyas Iyer’s India omission
Harbhajan Singh expressed his surprise over the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the Indian squad. The Punjab Kings star had an outstanding IPL 2025, scoring over 600 runs at a strike rate exceeding 175 and leading PBKS to the final, where they lost to RCB.
Shreyas had also made a successful return to the Indian team during the England series earlier this year and was part of India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025-winning squad. Given his form, many expected him to secure a spot in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, but he missed out on the final 15.
“I had hoped he (Shreyas Iyer) would get a place in the team. He scored heavily, played in the IPL final, and was in excellent form. I thought his name could have been there. Whose spot he would take is for the selectors to decide. But I was a bit surprised not to see his name,” Harbhajan said.
The Asia Cup, featuring eight nations, begins on September 9, with hosts India facing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on the following day.
