Asia Cup 2025: Team India Sweats it Out in Nets Ahead of Big Tournament
The playoffs will start on September 20. This was the first time the Indian players practiced together after the England Test series
Sept 06, 2025: Defending champions India had a full practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday. With this, they finished their preparation for the Asia Cup. India will play their first match against hosts UAE on September 10. After that, they will face Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19.
The playoffs will start on September 20. This was the first time the Indian players practiced together after the England Test series. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Vice-Captain Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Verma, and Abhishek Sharma spent long hours in the nets. Players like Gill, Bumrah, Arshdeep, and Kuldeep had one month rest before the tournament.
No Camp in India
The team management did not hold a camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Instead, they sent the players to Dubai early so that they could adjust to the conditions. During training, Shubman Gill, who was Test captain in England, got special focus. The team did fitness drills and light skill work.
All eyes were on the return of Jasprit Bumrah to T20 cricket. He last played this format in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. In that match, his figures (2/18) helped India win by 7 runs against South Africa. He also took 15 wickets in the tournament and won the Player of the Series award. After missing two Tests against England, Bumrah has come back to the team after a 40-day rest.
Team India Practice in Dubai
During practice, Bumrah was seen talking with Abhishek Sharma, while Sanju Samson spoke with head coach Gautam Gambhir and fielding coach. Hardik Pandya drew attention with a new blonde hairstyle and also met fans and signed autographs.
The team is practicing under head coach Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, and bowling coach Morne Morkel. Since Dream11 is no longer a sponsor, the team practiced in jerseys without logos. India has already won the Asia Cup 8 times. Though India is the official host, the matches are being played at a neutral venue in the UAE.
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