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BCCI Opts for Lean Travel Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna Not Heading to Dubai
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that five standby players for the Asia Cup 2025—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel—will not join the main squad in Dubai. This move prioritizes a streamlined traveling group, with replacements likely to be called in only under emergency circumstances.
When questioned about the possibility of standby players joining the squad for practice or backup, a senior BCCI official clarified to Prime News Network: “No exceptions. Standbys will remain in India and will be flown to Dubai only if required urgently.”
The decision reflects India’s strategic focus on minimizing team logistics and maintaining squad cohesion. With nine matches scheduled in a packed two-week tournament, the BCCI aims to avoid unnecessary travel and ensure optimal preparation for key opponents.
India’s current lineup includes 15-man contingent, falling short of the maximum 17 allowed. The selectors have prioritized all-format flexibility, naming Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson as secondary openers, while Prasidh Krishna remains reserve for frontline pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
Following an unusual protocol, India’s squad will convene directly in Dubai on September 4 instead of Mumbai. Coached by Suryakumar Yadav, the team will conduct its first net session at the ICC Academy on September 5. The official logistical shift prioritizes efficiency amid short flight durations from Indian cities to Dubai.
“For most players, flying directly to Dubai is quicker. Relocating via Mumbai adds redundant steps,” the anonymous source noted. “Only a few will transit through Mumbai, but we’re avoiding blanket orders for travel.”
India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign kicks off against the UAE on September 10, followed by marquee matchups against Pakistan (September 14) and Oman (September 19). The Super Four stage will determine the tournament’s progression.
Active squad members, including Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Kuldeep Yadav, are currently participating in the Duleep Trophy domestic tournament to fine-tune their form ahead of international competition.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad:
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
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