India is gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025, with the team management finalizing strategies and team compositions to tackle the conditions in the United Arab Emirates. With the tournament set to be played in the T20I format, this Asia Cup serves as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup next year, adding significance to every selection and tactical decision.
One of the key focuses has been identifying a "Hardik Pandya-like" option to provide balance and flexibility to the squad. Hardik Pandya has been officially named in India's squad for the Asia Cup 2025. With his selection, Hardik has etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Indian cricketer to feature in every edition of the Asia Cup held in the T20 format. He is also on the cusp of achieving a rare all-rounder feat in T20 cricket, needing just 17 runs to reach a unique milestone. However, the team also needs to be prepared for any situation that might arise.
Shivam Dube has emerged as a strong contender to fill that role. Dube's ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset, offering a similar dynamic to what Hardik Pandya brings to the team. This search underscores the importance of having multiple all-rounders in the squad, providing the captain with more options in terms of team composition and match strategy.
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, and Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, are working in tandem to tighten the team's plans, keeping a close eye on the prevailing conditions in the UAE. Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the captain of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad, with Shubman Gill as his deputy. India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Following their opening clash with UAE, India's biggest test will come in the marquee encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. Their final group-stage match will be against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has pointed out that the Asia Cup squad has only two genuine all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, while the T20 World Cup-winning team had three. He suggested that Washington Sundar would be missed and that India would need to find a new winning combination.
Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy is also under scrutiny, with some suggesting that a failure in the Asia Cup might prompt the BCCI to consider Shubman Gill for the leadership role. Suryakumar Yadav has led India in 22 T20I games, winning 18 and losing only four. Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the vice-captain, is expected to play a crucial role in India's quest to defend the title. He is likely to open the innings with Abhishek Sharma, forming a potentially destructive pair.
India has a strong batting lineup with Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel.
As the team prepares to kick off their campaign, head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of seizing every opportunity and giving their best for the country. The team had an intense first practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai, focusing on acclimatization and skill enhancement. Gambhir was also seen interacting with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, fine-tuning plans ahead of the first match.
