India’s out of form players ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Harshit Rana (Source / Getty Image)

India are the favourites to win the 2025 Asia Cup, a premier 20-over tournament that got underway on September 9 with its latest edition. They have been playing some fantastic cricket in the shortest format, and are currently the T20 World Cup champions as well. However, some players would like to return to form in the marquee event, as India look to win a record-extending ninth title in the continental tournament.

After Gautam Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian team last year, the Men in Blue have showcased a fearless brand of cricket in T20Is. They have won every T20I series they have played since then. Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav have given the players a lot of independence as well as assurance. The players can express themselves, playing their natural game, without worrying about failure.

The Asian giants started their campaign in the tournament with a comfortable nine-wicket win against the UAE. Like in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, India will once again look to become undefeated champions. While most players have been in brilliant form, there are some who will want to grab their opportunities in the biggest cricketing tournament in the continent.

Top 3 Indian players who are out of form ahead of Asia Cup 2025

3. Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana‘s place in the Indian side has been criticized by some experts as well as fans. He has played only one T20I, which was as a concussion substitute against England on January 31. The right-arm speedster picked up three wickets. However, he didn’t have a memorable time in the 2025 IPL. In 13 matches, he bagged 15 wickets, but he conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.18.

Rana recently played in the Delhi Premier League, where he took 12 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 7.76. While these numbers were an improvement, he wasn’t anywhere near his best. Before the DPL 2025, he was also a part of the Indian team for the England tour for the first Test of the five-match series, however, he returned home without featuring in the Playing XI.

2. Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh also had a disappointing run in IPL 2025, scoring just 206 runs from 13 matches at an average of 29.43. The southpaw wasn’t picked in India’s playing XI in the Asia Cup for the first game against the UAE, and his subpar IPL outings for the Kolkata Knight Riders can be explained as one of the reasons behind his exclusion. He came to the fore like a shining star, but hasn’t been able to carry forward the same consistently.

After the IPL, he did participate in the Uttar Pradesh Premier League. The diminutive batter amassed 372 runs in nine innings at an average of 62. Rinku will look to carry that form into international cricket when the opportunity arises, but currently, it seems like he will have to warm the bench and a chance may arrive only if someone in the star-studded middle-order gets injured.

1. Axar Patel

Axar Patel has been an integral part of India’s white-ball setup in recent years. He was India’s vice-captain earlier this year in the T20I series against England. However, he was removed from the role before the Asia Cup, as Shubman Gill made his entry in the 15-man squad for the continental tournament as the new deputy to mainstay skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

During the IPL, he led Delhi Capitals. With the bat, he 263 runs from 12 matches at an average of 26.30 and a strike rate of 157.49. Meanwhile, with the ball, he bagged just five wickets at an average of 57.60 and an economy rate of 8.47. Axar will look to regain his form during the Asia Cup.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.