Harbhajan Singh Says India Will Miss This X-Factor In Asia Cup 2025

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Mohammed Siraj’s presence would have made India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad even stronger. The squad, announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on August 19 (Tuesday), features Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana as the frontline seamers for the tournament starting September 9 in the UAE.

Siraj, who has 14 wickets in 16 T20Is at an average of 32.28 and an economy rate of 7.79, last played in the format for India in July 2024. In IPL 2025, representing Gujarat Titans (GT), the right-arm quick picked up 16 wickets in 15 matches at 32.93 with an economy of 9.24.

However, Siraj might not have been in serious contention this time as he was the only pacer to feature in all five Tests against England. He finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series, and selectors could have opted to rest him ahead of India’s busy home season, which begins with a two-match Test series against West Indies from October 2.

“I feel that Siraj’s name should have been included as well. Siraj bowled very well in the recent series. Yes, he did a lot of bowling in England, but he also got adequate rest. So he could have been included. If he had been taken, the team would have looked even stronger. The bowling unit would have seemed stronger. I feel that the ‘X-factor’ that Siraj brings might be somewhat missed," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Harbhajan also expressed surprise at Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion. Iyer, who last played a T20I at the start of 2024, has been in superb form in the IPL over the past two seasons. He guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their first title in a decade in 2024 before leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the 2025 final, where they narrowly lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Across the last two IPL editions, Iyer has amassed 955 runs in 31 innings at an average of 45.48 and an impressive strike rate of 163.5.

“I had hoped he [Shreyas Iyer] would get a place in the team. He scored a lot of runs, played in the IPL final, and was in very good form. I thought his name could have been there. As for whose spot he would take, you have to see whose place it would have been. When someone has to be included or left out, a spot is made. But I did not see Shreyas Iyer’s name there, which surprised me a little," Harbhajan added.

India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, and will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10. Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.