FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers: India's roster, rival players to watch, qualification scenario for window 3 and more

The Indian men’s basketball team will face Iran and Qatar away from home in the final leg of the qualifiers.

The landscape of Indian basketball has seen a significant shift in recent months. Following a historic 21-point victory 88-69 over Kazakhstan at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, momentum has been building. Since then, Indian basketball has been abuzz with top-tier domestic action—including the Senior National Championship in Gujrat followed by the National Games in Uttarakhand, the Senior 3×3 National Championship in Karnataka, and a professional basketball league for U25 athletes the INBL PRO hosted in New Delhi.

Now, the focus shifts back to the international stage as India prepare for its final window of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, facing Iran and Qatar.

India’s qualification scenario

The road ahead is challenging. India currently hold a mere 3% chance of qualification, according to a survey on FIBA, making them clear underdogs. To secure a place in the next round, India must win both of its remaining games—against Iran on February 21 and Qatar on February 24. Here’s a breakdown of the qualification scenario:

• A win against Iran in Tehran would keep their qualification hopes alive.
• A loss, however, would put India in a precarious position, forcing them to third place and rely on Kazakhstan defeating Qatar, while ensuring they beat Qatar themselves. In this case, qualification through the first two spots would come down to tiebreakers and point differentials.
• If India finishes third in Group E, they will have an opportunity to compete in an additional qualification tournament. This tournament will feature the third-placed teams from all groups, vying for the final spots in FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

Matchups

February 21 – Iran vs India (7:00 PM IST)

• Iran: The hosts currently lead Group E with a 2-1 record, despite a shocking 77-78 loss to Qatar after 19 years in their last outing. A win would make them the first team from the group to qualify.
• India: Fresh off their emphatic 21-point win against Kazakhstan, India sits third in the group. With a rejuvenated squad featuring both young talents and seasoned veterans, the team will look to continue its upward trajectory.

February 24 – Qatar vs India (8:30 PM IST)

• India will conclude its group-stage campaign against Qatar in Doha, aiming to finish on a high note and, potentially, secure an improbable qualification spot.

India’s roster for final window of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers

• Amritpal Singh (Center)
• Princepal Singh (Forward/Center)
• Pratyanshu Tomar (Forward)
• Arvinder Singh Kahlon (Forward)
• Pranav Prince (Forward)
• Harsh Dagar (Guard)
• Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Guard/Forward)
• Joginder Singh Saharan (Guard)
• Baladhaneshwar Poiyamozhi (Guard)
• Arvind Kumar Muthukrishnan (Guard)
• Muin Bek Hafeez (Guard)
• Gurbaz Singh Sandhu (Guard).

Head Coach: Scott Flemming | Assistant Coaches: GRL Prasad, Sambhaji Kadam

Breakdown of India’s roster

India’s squad for the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers features a balanced mix of promising young talent and seasoned veterans, creating an intriguing blend of athleticism, skill, and experience. Several key players are expected to play pivotal roles in India’s pursuit of qualification.

• Pranav Prince (Forward): The athletic forward from Tamil Nadu, a former NBA Academy alumnus, brings energy on both ends. He excels in slashing to the basket, defending multiple positions, blocking shots, and contributing in transition. He played a key role in India’s win against Kazakhstan and led Mumbai Titans in the INBL Pro League.
• Princepal Singh (Forward/Center): The 6-foot-10 forward from Punjab is a dominant paint presence, excelling in rebounding and finishing. A former NBA G League player (G League Ignite, Stockton Kings), he also played in the NBL Australia for the New Zealand Breakers. He captained Punjab Warriors in the INBL Pro League.
• Muin Bek Hafeez (Guard): The team captain from Tamil Nadu, Muin Bek provides creativity, 3pt shooting and composure in the backcourt. His playmaking and scoring ability add depth to India’s offense.
• Arvind Kumar Muthukrishnan (Guard): A two-way guard from Tamil Nadu and NBA Academy India graduate, Arvind is known for his defensive tenacity and scoring. He captained Chennai Heat in the INBL Pro League.
• Gurbaz Singh Sandhu (Guard): A sharpshooter from Punjab, Gurbaz provides scoring from beyond the arc and floor spacing. He is a key player for Punjab Warriors in the INBL Pro League.
• Baladhaneshwar Poiyamozhi (Guard): A quick and defensive-minded point guard from Tamil Nadu, Baladhaneshwar is strong at driving into the paint and playmaking. He plays a leadership role for Gujarat Stallions in the INBL Pro League.
• Harsh Dagar (Guard): A defensive specialist and high-IQ point guard from Haryana, Harsh played for India in Window 2. He brings on-ball defense, disrupts passing lanes, and adds perimeter shooting.
• Amritpal Singh (Center): The 7-foot-1-inch big man from Punjab is a dominant presence in the paint. His experience and physicality provide India with much-needed interior strength. His rebounding, rim protection, and post-scoring ability will be instrumental against Iran and Qatar.
• Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Point Forward): India’s former captain and most accomplished basketball player, the Delhi-based point forward brings elite playmaking, leadership, and high basketball IQ. His experience in high-pressure situations will be vital in guiding younger players like Muin, Pranav, and Arvind.
• Joginder Singh Saharan (Guard): A veteran guard from Delhi known for his steady play and clutch performances, Joginder adds valuable experience to the backcourt. His leadership and ability to handle defensive pressure will be crucial in close-game situations.
• Pratyanshu Tomar (Forward): One of the key additions to the roster, the Karnataka-based forward is an emerging frontcourt presence with size, agility, and defensive versatility. His ability to stretch the floor and contest shots will be an asset for India. Also played for the Delhi Dribblers as the captain
• Arvinder Singh Kahlon (Forward): Another key addition, the forward from Punjab the NBA Academy Aluminai provides India with strength in the frontcourt. His physicality, rebounding ability, and defensive presence will be crucial in matchups against Iran and Qatar. His performances in both the national competitions and for the Chennai Heat side got him to play for the national team.

Rival players to watch

Mohammad Amini (Guard/Forward)

A prolific scorer, Amini was Iran’s top performer in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. His offensive versatility and ability to create his own shot make him a primary threat that India’s defense must contain.

Salar Monji (Forward)

A dominant presence in the paint, Monji registered 14 points on an efficient 58.3% shooting along with 9 rebounds in his last outing. His ability to crash the boards and finish inside will be a key concern for India’s frontcourt.

Mike Lewis (Guard)

A high-scoring guard, Lewis put up 17 points in Qatar’s previous game. His ability to score from multiple areas on the court makes him a focal point for India’s defensive strategy.

Tyler Lee Harris (Forward)

A well-rounded forward, Harris recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds in his last appearance. His presence in the paint, coupled with his scoring ability, will pose a significant challenge for India’s defense.

Containing these key players will be crucial for India as they look to overcome the odds and keep their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualification hopes alive.

Also Read: Which players could feature as Indian women’s basketball team return to international action after two years?

Notable names missing

Some key players are missing from the roster include Amjyot Singh, Sahaij Sekhon, Palpreet Singh Brar, Amrendra Nayak, Prashant Singh Rawat, Vaisakh Karimbingal Manoj, and Kushal Singh.

Where and how to watch FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers live streaming and broadcast in India?

Basketball fans can catch the action live on YouTube/Courtside1891:

• February 21: Iran vs. India – 7:00 PM IST – YouTube
• February 24: Qatar vs. India – 8:30 PM IST – YouTube

With India fighting against the odds, this final window promises to be a thrilling test of resilience and determination. Can India defy expectations and keep their Asia Cup dreams alive in the “Group of Death’? Stay tuned to find out!

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