Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri has backed Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on Tuesday, September 9. Shastri emphasized that the wrist-spinner is currently at his peak, citing his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
India will start their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in a Group A clash against the UAE on Wednesday, September 10. They will face Pakistan and Oman on September 14 and 19, respectively. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav will form the bowling lineup for the Men in Blue.
Kuldeep Yadav Is At His Peak Now – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri stated that Kuldeep Yadav will be a key player for Team India in the Asia Cup 2025. Shastri said that the wrist-spinner is currently performing at his peak. He added that Kuldeep, alongside Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel, will play a crucial role in India’s bowling attack.
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“If you have two wrist-spinners of that quality, I would love to have them on my side. I think Kuldeep is at his peak now. He did extremely well in IPL and, unfortunately, couldn’t make it to the team in the Tests in England because of the conditions and the strength that India has. But he will be a vital cog in the wheel in the Asia Cup and going forward, along with Varun and Axar Patel,” Ravi Shastri told Times of India.
Kuldeep last played a T20 International during the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. He participated in India’s Test series against New Zealand, but an injury sidelined him for several months. Yadav made his comeback in the T20 format during IPL 2025.
Shubman Gill Has All the Shots in the Book – Ravi Shastri
The former all-rounder also said that Shubman Gill is capable of playing all kinds of shots. Shastri noted that slower pitches in Dubai might require some adjustment, and Gill is expected to remain a key player for India across formats for the next decade.
“Gill has all the shots in the book. He gets the big scores. Just see his IPL record over the last few years. And especially after a tour of England, he will be on a high. But in Dubai, the pitches could be slower, and even the top shot-makers will have to adjust. Having said that, Gill will be a pillar of strength for Indian teams across formats for the next 10 years,” Shastri said.
Suryakumar Yadav Has Done an Excellent Job – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri said that Suryakumar Yadav has been doing an excellent job, encouraging the players to maintain their approach and avoid overconfidence.
“Not really. When you go in with such a strong side, you feel great as a captain. All you want to tell your guys is not to be overconfident. Carry on with the way you’ve been playing T20 cricket. Surya has been leading now for a while, and he’s done an excellent job,” Shastri added.
India have continued their dominance since the 2024 World Cup. They have won 13 of their last 15 matches. The Men in Blue have claimed series victories over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, and England, maintaining an unbeaten streak since the tournament.
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