“No Chance of Winning T20 World Cup” – Kris Srikkanth Criticises India’s Asia Cup 2025 Team
The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and Team India has announced its 15-member squad for the tournament. While fans are excited to see the Men in Blue back in action, former India captain and ex-chief selector Kris Srikkanth has strongly criticised the team selection. He believes that although the squad can do well in the Asia Cup, India has “no chance” of winning the T20 World Cup 2026 with the same group of players.
Kris Srikkanth’s Sharp Criticism
Srikkanth raised strong doubts about India’s World Cup preparation while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“We might win the Asia Cup with this team, but there is no chance of winning the T20 World Cup with this bunch. Is this the preparation for a global tournament which is just six months away?”
He also questioned the inclusion of Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana based on their mixed IPL 2025 performances. Rinku scored only 206 runs in 13 matches, Dube managed 357 runs for CSK, while Rana’s selection was surprising as he was picked over Prasidh Krishna, the Purple Cap winner.
“They have gone backwards. Axar Patel has been stripped of vice-captaincy, and I don’t know how Rinku, Dube, and Rana got in. IPL is supposed to be the main selection yardstick, but the choices don’t reflect that.”
Concerns Over India’s Batting Order
Another area Srikkanth criticised was the uncertain middle order, especially the No. 5 position. Traditionally, Hardik Pandya has taken that role, but now options like Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, or Shivam Dube are being considered—none of whom are proven finishers at international level.
He also raised concerns about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence, despite the youngster performing consistently in both IPL and international cricket.
“Who will bat at No. 5? Hardik usually takes that slot. Now, Axar Patel cannot be expected to come in at six. I simply can’t understand the logic behind picking Dube over someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has proven himself both in the IPL and international cricket.”
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 10 | India vs UAE | Dubai | 7:30 PM |
| September 14 | India vs Pakistan | Dubai | 7:30 PM |
| September 19 | India vs Oman | Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
India Squad for Asia Cup 2025
| India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad | |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Shubman Gill |
| Abhishek Sharma | Tilak Varma |
| Hardik Pandya | Shivam Dube |
| Jitesh Sharma | Axar Patel |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Varun Chakaravarthy |
| Arshdeep Singh | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Sanju Samson | Harshit Rana |
| Rinku Singh | |
Why This Asia Cup Matters
The Asia Cup 2025 is not just about regional dominance; it is India’s final preparation tournament before the T20 World Cup 2026. Performances here will reveal whether the selectors’ decisions were right or if Srikkanth’s criticism carries weight.
Conclusion
Kris Srikkanth’s blunt verdict—“No chance for India to win the T20 World Cup with this squad”—may sound harsh, but it reflects the concerns of millions of Indian fans.
The Asia Cup 2025 will be the true test of India’s team balance, middle-order strength, and bowling depth. With fixtures lined up against UAE, Pakistan, and Oman, all eyes will be on how Suryakumar Yadav’s men perform. Will they prove Srikkanth wrong, or will the same old problems haunt India again? The answer will set the stage for the World Cup year ahead.
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