Cricket INTL Admin September 5, 2025 0 Comments

Asia Cup 2025: India Gears Up in UAE for Title Showdown

The reigning champions, India, engaged in a comprehensive practice session at the ICC Academy on Friday, finalizing their preparations for the Asia Cup.

India is set to begin its campaign against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on September 14 and then Oman on September 19. The playoffs are scheduled to commence on September 20.

This session marked the first time the players practiced together after the England Test series, which concluded in a 2-2 draw last month. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma, had extensive batting practice in the nets.

Several senior players, including Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, enjoyed a month’s rest before the tournament.

The team management opted against holding a preparatory camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, choosing instead to arrive early in Dubai for acclimatization.

During training, Gill, fresh off his performance leading the Test side in England, drew significant attention as the team engaged in fitness routines and light skills work.

Bumrah’s return to T20 Internationals was closely watched, marking his first appearance since the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Bridgetown. In that match, his figures of two for 18 contributed to India’s seven-run victory over South Africa, earning him the Player-of-the-Series title with 15 wickets.

Following criticism for missing two Tests during the challenging home series against England earlier this year, Bumrah has rejoined the T20I squad after a 40-day break.

Bumrah was seen chatting with Abhishek, while Samson interacted with fielding coach and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Another highlight was all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who sported a striking new blonde hairdo while engaging with fans and signing autographs.

India, who earlier this year claimed the Champions Trophy in the UAE, practiced under head coach Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, and bowling coach Morne Morkel.

With Dream11 no longer a sponsor, the team trained in unbranded jerseys. India holds the record with eight Asia Cup titles.

As the designated host, India will see the tournament staged across UAE venues, featuring Group A with India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, and Group B comprising Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

India’s fixtures at the Asia Cup: