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As excitement builds for the Asia Cup 2025, India’s squad announcement has sparked debates among fans and experts alike. While many see the team as strong enough to clinch the continental trophy, former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has voiced a contrasting opinion. The veteran believes that although India may fare well in the Asia Cup, the current squad lacks the balance and preparation needed to win the T20 World Cup next year.
Kris Srikkanth questions India’s World Cup preparation
Srikkanth has strongly criticised the Indian squad selected for the Asia Cup 2025, raising serious doubts about the team’s readiness for the mega T20 event in 2026. While acknowledging that the current squad could potentially win the Asia Cup, Srikkanth bluntly stated that this team has “no chance” of lifting the World Cup trophy with the current composition.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer didn’t hold back and said: “We might win the Asia Cup with this team, but there is no chance of winning the T20 World Cup with this bunch. Is this the preparation for a global tournament which is just six months away?”.
Criticism over squad selection
Srikkanth particularly questioned the inclusion of Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana, who had mixed outings in IPL 2025. Rinku managed only 206 runs from 13 matches, while Dube, although more consistent, finished with 357 runs for Chennai Super Kings. Rana’s selection was the most surprising to Srikkanth, as the pacer was preferred ahead of Prasidh Krishna, the Purple Cap winner of the season. According to him, the selectors relied on past performances rather than current form.
“They have gone backwards. Axar Patel has been stripped of vice-captaincy, and I don’t know how Rinku, Dube, and Rana got in. IPL is supposed to be the main selection yardstick, but the choices don’t reflect that,” added Srikkanth.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Sanju Samson vs Jitesh Sharma? India’s middle-order dilemma
Doubts over India’s batting order
Another area of concern raised by Srikkanth was the lack of clarity around India’s batting order, particularly the No. 5 spot. Traditionally, Hardik Pandya has occupied that position, but with recent reshuffles, the slot could go to Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, or Shivam Dube—none of whom have cemented themselves as reliable finishers in international cricket. The former cricketer also raised questions on Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s absence from India squad.
“Who will bat at No. 5? Hardik usually takes that slot. Now, Axar Patel cannot be expected to come in at six. I simply can’t understand the logic behind picking Dube over someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has proven himself both in the IPL and international cricket,” Srikkanth added further.
Notably, India will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by a high-voltage clash with Pakistan on September 14.
Also READ: From India to Pakistan: Main jersey sponsors of each Asia Cup 2025 participating team
