Aakash Chopra has come up with his unselected Playing XI, consisting of players who were not included in the squad for the 2025 Asia Cup. KL Rahul is positioned at No. 3, with Rishabh Pant taking on the wicketkeeping role.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9. The 15-member Indian squad was recently announced.

Aakash Chopra Named Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad as the Opening Pair.

“Starting with Yashasvi Jaiswal, I believe his name should have been included in the Asia Cup squad too. He was part of the T20 World Cup squad, so if he was there, why not here? Continuity is important,” Chopra said.

“I’ve also included Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has served as the Indian team’s vice-captain and scored a century against Australia in Guwahati. Although he got injured during the IPL, he’s a consistent performer. He’s someone who has almost faded from the scene,” he added.

Chopra chose KL Rahul to bat at No. 3, noting the 33-year-old’s ability to adapt. He appointed Shreyas Iyer as captain, Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batter, and Nitish Kumar Reddy as the seam-bowling all-rounder to round off his top six.

“At No. 3, I have kept KL Rahul. Shreyas Iyer is at No. 4 as captain, while Rishabh Pant is No. 5 as a wicketkeeper-batter.

“Nitish Kumar Reddy is at No. 6. Krunal Pandya and Washington Sundar are at No. 7 and 8, offering batting depth and spin.”

The analyst finalised his XI by selecting Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj as the three specialist bowlers.

Additionally, Chopra Included Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Khalel Ahmed as reserves.

Aakash Chopra’s unselected Indian XI for 2025 Asia Cup: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Kumar, Kl Rahul, Shreyas Iyer (C), Reddy, Krunal Pandya, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Suundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj.