As the Asia Cup 2025 draws near, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on India’s ideal squad for the tournament. He unveiled both his preferred playing XI and a 15-member squad, which also featured four backup options. One of the most notable inclusions among the reserves was Test captain Shubman Gill as an opening choice. The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between September 9 and 28. The defending India will kick-start their campaign on September 10 against the UAE in Dubai. The Indian side is also planning to retain the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, and Kaif is also contemplating the same. Here is what Kaif said on X: “If we talk about the playing XI, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will open. Tilak Varma will be No.3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4 who will be the captain. Axar Patel will come in at No.5 and will also be the vice captain and he will be followed by Hardik Pandya at No.6. Shivam Dube will be at No.7, Washington Sundar will be at No.8. Kuldeep Yadav will be No.9, Arshdeep Singh will be no.10 and Jasprit Bumrah will be at No.11,” “If I add 4 more names and talk about the squad, then Shubman Gill will be the back up opener and Jitesh Sharma will be the backup wicketkeeper. The other two players will be Varun Chakravarthy and Mohammed Siraj,” he added. Also Read | Rajasthan Royals End CSK Talks, Eye Deal with This Franchise for Sanju Samson Arch-enemies India and Pakistan will lock horns on September 14, in what will be one of the biggest showdowns of the Asia Cup 2025. India will wrap up their group-stage matches with a game against Oman on September 19. Even though India are the hosts of the tournament, the whole competition will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will also act as a neutral venue. The whole tournament will be conducted in two venues - Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Eight teams will face off to win continental honors, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman. With only six months remaining for the T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the Asia Cup will be held this time around in the 20-over format, as has been the practice. The previous edition in 2023 was held in the ODI format as a build-up to the 50-over World Cup conducted during that year. India triumphed in the 2023 edition by beating Sri Lanka in the finals in Colombo.