Asia Cup 2025: Ajit Agarkar explains why Yashasvi Jaiswal missed out on India's squad for the tournament

Ajit Agarkar said they could only pick one opener out of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar and T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed the India squad for Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday, August 19. Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal could not find a place in India squad for the tournament.

Jaiswal has proved himself to be a powerful opener across all three formats. The 23-year-old has played 23 T20Is for India so far, hitting 723 runs at an average of 36.15 and strike rate of 164.32. Jaiswal has also slammed one century and five half-centuries in the shortest format.

The left-handed batsman was also part of India squad in the ICC T20 World Cup last year but. In Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Jaiswal finished as the highest run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals (RR).

At an average of 43.0 and a strike rate of 159.71, the RR opener smacked 559 runs in 14 games. With six half-centuries, he finished as the seventh highest run-scorer in IPL 2025.

Ajit Agarkar reveals why Yashasvi Jaiswal was not picked for Asia Cup 2025

Speaking during the press conference, Agarkar said that they could only pick one opener out of Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma. He also added that Abhishek can contribute with his bowling, hence, he was preferred in the squad.

“It’s very unfortunate for Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Abhishek [Sharma] doing well, he can bowl as well – one of the two was going to miss out – same with Shreyas, not his fault,” he said.

Notably, Abhishek has shown a wonderful form in T20Is since his debut in 2024. The left-handed batsman has slammed 535 runs in 17 games at a strike rate of 193.85. He has also hammered two centuries and two half-centuries in the shortest format.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in Asia Cup 2025. Shubman Gill has been named as the vice-captain of the team. The tournament will commence on September 9 in the UAE. India are part of Group A in the tournament, with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in their group.

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