Star RCB player to make surprising return in Asia Cup 2025: Reports

After seven weeks of incredible red-ball encounters between two competitive sides, the focus has shifted to white-ball cricket. There is no international cricket for India in August as they will enjoy the break before another hectic schedule of the Asia Cup 2025 and the home season. Plenty of T20I stars, who have been away from the limelight, will be back in contention for the tournament.

The Indian selection committee, under Ajit Agarjar, is going to meet in the third week of August to finalize the 15-member squad. Most of the T20I players will keep their spot in the tournament, while a few places are up for grabs. That’s where they will keep an eye on the stars from the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, India locked horns with England during the home five-match T20I series. It has been reported that the IPL 2025 winning side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s Krunal Pandya, is expected to return to the squad for the Asia Cup 2025.

RCB star Krunal Pandya expected to return for India in Asia Cup 2025

Krunal Pandya has been part of 19 T20Is to smash 124 runs at an average of 24.80 and a strike rate of over 130, with the best score of unbeaten 26 runs. With the ball, the left-arm spinner has picked up 15 wickets in 19 innings at an average of 36.93 with an economy rate of over eight.

Krunal has an incredible skill of bowling tight overs at any part of the innings, starting from the powerplay to the middle overs and death overs. The southpaw, during the recently concluded IPL 2025, nailed 109 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 126.74 with one half-century on his name besides picking up 17 wickets at an economy rate of just over eight.

If Krunal Pandya comes into the side, it will mean India will have two left-arm spinners alongside Axar Patel. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to retain his place, while the toss-up will be between Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi for the tournament.