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3 RCB Players Who Could Be Picked In India's Squad For Asia Cup 2025
Follow UsHere’s a look at three Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players who could be picked in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup
The thrilling five-match Test series between India and England concluded on August 4 (Monday), and the focus now shifts to the shortest format of the game. With the T20 World Cup scheduled for February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, preparations are set to begin.
India, the defending champions, last played a T20I series in February 2025. After a six-month break, their return to T20Is will come at the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9 in the UAE. With no T20Is scheduled before the tournament, recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 performances will play a role in team selection.
Here’s a look at three Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players who could be picked in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup.
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh has been around the T20I setup, having played nine games for India, the most recent one in January 2024. With limited options beyond Sanju Samson, the RCB wicketkeeper-batter stands a good chance of being picked, at least as a back up.
In IPL 2025, Jitesh played a crucial finishing role for RCB, scoring 261 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.29 and a staggering strike rate of 176.3. If Samson is injured or struggles for form, Jitesh’s ability to slot into the lower middle order and score quickly will work in his favour.
Krunal Pandya
Krunal had a standout IPL 2025 season, particularly with the ball. The left-arm spinner picked up 17 wickets at an economy rate of 8.2, and also played a match-saving knock of 73* off 47 balls against Delhi Capitals.
While India already have Axar Patel, the team did use both Axar and Ravindra Jadeja in the same XI during the T20 World Cup 2024. Krunal’s defensive bowling skills, combined with his experience and all-round ability, make him a handy option - especially on the tracks will be on offer during the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.
Rajat Patidar
Although Patidar has featured in three Tests and an ODI, he’s yet to debut in T20Is - surprisingly so, as it’s arguably his strongest format. With the next World Cup to be played on spin-friendly surfaces, India will benefit from having a reliable spin-hitter in the middle overs.
Since IPL 2022, among batters who’ve scored at least 500 runs against spin, Patidar has scored 503 runs at an average of 55.89, with a strike rate of 174.1 - the fourth-best in that group. His ability to dominate spin makes him a natural fit for India’s middle order.