As the Asia Cup kicks off on September 9th, culminating in the final on September 28th, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama.
The BCCI recently announced a 15 member Indian squad for the tournament, led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill appointed as vice captain. Yet, amidst the excitement, a storm of controversy has erupted and it’s not just about the players.
Former Indian chief selector Krishnaachari Srikanth has voiced a scathing critique of India’s current team setup, making a daring prediction about the team’s prospects at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
His words have sent shockwaves through cricket circles, igniting passionate debates about the future of Indian cricket.
Questioning the Selection Policy Ahead of the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup, beginning September 9, promises intense competition, but Srikanth isn’t convinced that this squad is up to the mark for global glory.
“Yes, we can win the Asia Cup with this team,” he admits, “but winning the World Cup?That’s a different story altogether. I don’t see this squad lifting the trophy in 2026.”He points out that the team’s current composition
Four specialist batsmen, four all rounders, two wicketkeeper batsmen (Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson), three pace bowlers, and two spinners might be sufficient for regional dominance, but not for the world stage. With nearly 20 T20 matches scheduled before the tournament, the team’s preparation seems inadequate, Srikanth argues.
A Shock to the System: The Controversial Selections
The biggest talking point remains the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice captain. Gill last played a T20 International in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, yet he’s back in the leadership fold. Srikanth questions this move, criticizing the decision to restore Gill to a leadership role after such a long hiatus.
Meanwhile, the removal of vice captaincy from the experienced Axar Patel a key figure during the recent England series has also raised eyebrows. Srikanth isn’t shy about expressing his disagreement:
“I don’t agree with this. Why replace Axar? And what about Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harsit Rana? How do they find their way into the team? It feels like selections are based more on past performances and IPL runs than current form.”
Why the Selection of Rinku, Shivam, and Harsit Raises Questions
Rinku Singh, who managed just 206 runs in IPL 2025, and Shivam Dube, with 357 runs, have been included despite inconsistent recent form.
Harsit Rana, having played only a single T20I so far, has been favored over seasoned pacer Krishna. Srikanth fumes, “It seems like the selectors are relying on old statistics rather than current performances. They’re stuck in the past.”
Who Will Bat at No. 5? The Big Dilemma
Perhaps the most pressing concern Srikanth highlights is the long standing question of who will bat at number five. “That spot needs someone like Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, or Rinku Singh.
Hardik Pandya usually bats at five, but with Axar out of the picture, and the current choices, the team’s depth is questionable,” he explains.
He also criticizes the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has shown promise in both IPL and international cricket. “Why isn’t he in the mix? He deserves a chance,” Srikanth adds, frustration evident in his voice. “It feels like the team management has overlooked newer talent in favor of familiar faces, even if their recent form doesn’t warrant it.”
A Stark Warning for Indian Cricket
Srikanth’s blunt assessment is clear: “We might be able to win regional tournaments, but when it comes to the World Cup, I fear India will never taste victory with this current setup.
The gap between our team and the world’s best is widening, and unless there’s a major overhaul, I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”
As India prepares for the Asia Cup and, ultimately, the 2026 World Cup, this outspoken former selector’s words serve as a wake up call.
Will the selectors heed the warning? Or are they content with sticking to the familiar, even if it means risking another heartbreak on cricket’s biggest stage?
