Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has voiced his support for Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as India's opening pair for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28.

Lal believes that the duo can provide the team with a solid start at the top of the order. Shubman Gill has been named the vice-captain of the team. The team will be captained by Suryakumar Yadav.

The Asia Cup 2025 is significant as it marks the beginning of India's preparations for the T20 World Cup next year. India, who are the defending champions after winning the 2023 edition, will be looking to extend their dominance in the tournament. India has won the Asia Cup eight times.

The team will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by a high-voltage match against Pakistan on September 14. India will then face Oman in their final group stage match on September 19.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, after which the top two teams will compete in the final on September 28 in Dubai.

Apart from Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, the Indian batting lineup includes Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, with Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel also in the squad. Jitesh Sharma has also been included as a wicketkeeper-batter.

Madan Lal has also backed Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in the playing XI, citing his unique bowling style as difficult for batsmen to counter in T20 cricket. He suggested that the team combination in Dubai should include two spinners and three pace bowlers. Besides Axar Patel, the squad includes Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav as spin options.

Madan Lal has said that Afghanistan could be a threat to Pakistan, whose current performance is questionable. He also acknowledged Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan as strong contenders.