India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup has been announced, and among the 15 selected players, several are set to make their first-ever appearance in this prestigious tournament. As excitement builds, fans are eager to see how these debutants will perform on the big stage.
Leading the charge, Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain, with Suryakumar Yadav taking on the mantle of captain. Meanwhile, the absence of the in-form Shreyas Iyer from the squad has sparked plenty of debate across cricket circles.
From Abhishek Sharma to Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Harshit Rana, the squad boasts a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising talents. But it’s the newcomers those making their Asia Cup debut who are generating the most buzz.
Here are the 5 Indian cricketers set to debut in the Asia Cup:
Abhishek Sharma
The young opener, Abhishek Sharma, made his international debut in 2024 and has already shown glimpses of brilliance. Despite having played only in T20Is, he’s impressed with a blistering strike rate of 194, having smashed two centuries in just 17 matches.
His aggressive batting style and fearless approach could be a game-changer for India in the tournament.
Varun Chakravarthy
The mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, had already tasted World Cup action in 2021 but was subsequently dropped from the team.
His comeback in 2024 has been remarkable in just 12 matches, he’s claimed 31 wickets. With his unique bowling style and ability to deceive batsmen, Chakravarthy is expected to be a key weapon for India’s spin attack in the tournament.
Sanju Samson
A name that’s often Been in and out of the Indian team, Sanju Samson finally gets his shot at the Asia Cup. Since his international debut in 2015, he’s faced ups and downs, but his performance before being sidelined was electrifying three centuries in just five innings, which earned him the trust of the selectors. Now, with the chance to prove himself on the big stage, all eyes will be on him to deliver.
Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh’s inclusion in the squad came as a pleasant surprise. Known for his finishing prowess, Rinku has been making waves in domestic cricket. Just days before the tournament, he blasted a 48-ball 108 in the UP T20 League, reaffirming his readiness.
Though his place in the playing XI isn’t yet guaranteed, his aggressive batting could give India a crucial boost during the middle overs.
Jitesh Sharma
The young wicketkeeper-batsman, Jitesh Sharma, has made headlines with his explosive performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2025. His aggressive batting style and sharp wicketkeeping skills have put him firmly in the conversation.
Whether he’ll find a spot in the playing XI remains to be seen, especially with Gille’s inclusion, but his talent is undeniable.
As India prepares to take the field, the debut of these talented players adds a layer of excitement and anticipation. Will they seize the moment and leave their mark in Asia Cup history? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain Indian cricket’s future looks bright with these fresh faces ready to shine.
