Hardik Pandya Shreyas Iyer. Image Credits: AFP
On Saturday, the BCCI concluded their selection meeting at their headquarters and named a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games. Japan will host the prestigious sporting event from 19 September to October 4.
India are the defending champion, as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side won their first-ever gold medal at the Asian Games in 2022 in China. This time around, the BCCI has named a solid squad to go to Japan and defend the medal at the Asian Games 2026.
India’s Asian Games 2026 Squad
Shreyas Iyer will lead the side, while the veterans like Jasprit Bumrah is also part of the major tournament. Also, eyes are on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who earned his selection.
India's Asian Games Squad: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Jasprit Bumrah
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer’s India Captaincy Faces Heavy Opposition From India Legend
Key Takeaways From India's Asian Games 2026 Squad
Suryakumar Yadav Not Considered As A Batter
Notably, India chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Shreyas Iyer has permanently replaced Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain. Therefore, Iyer was bound to lead the team. However, there were expectations that SKY might get one more chance to prove himself as a batter.
His absence from India's Asian Games squad confirms that it is all but over for Suryakumar Yadav.
Tilak Varma Replaces Axar Patel As India Vice-Captain
Before T20 World Cup 2026, the BCCI appointed Axar Patel as India's new vice-captain. However, his captaincy for Delhi Capitals led to his axing as Iyer's deputy. Tilak Varma has been named as the new vice-captain.
Jasprit Bumrah Asked To Prove Himself In Japan
Jasprit Bumrah had a poor IPL season, where the right-arm seamer picked up just 4 wickets in 13 innings. The MI seamer is going through a rought patch, which is why the selectors want him to go to Japan and get some wickets under his belt.
Why Is Hardik Pandya Absent From India's Squad For Asian Games?
Hardik Pandya is not part of any of the teams named by the selectors on Saturday. Notably, the MI captain is currrently nursing a back injury and is present at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Therefore, the selectors didn't name him in the T20I squads because they want Hardik Pandya to regain full-fitness and not overload himself. The selectors confirmed that the priority is to get Hardik Pandya fit for 2027 ODI World Cup and it might come at a cost of missing few crucial games.
“He is part of Odi's - Like Jasprit Bumrah and main objective is to see if he can start playing well and stay healthy for the 50-over World Cup,” remarked Ajit Agarkar during the press-conference.
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