India's preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 have been a mixed bag, with some players shining and others facing unexpected setbacks. As the team gears up for their opening match against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, all eyes are on the opening combination and the composition of the playing XI.
Shubman Gill, the designated vice-captain, is set to play his first T20 International game after more than a year. Gill last played a T20I in July 2024 during the tour of Sri Lanka. While Gill is expected to solidify his position at the top, he experienced a rare hiccup during an optional training session at the ICC Academy. According to reports, a local net bowler managed to breach his defense with a quick delivery that uprooted his off-stump. This incident, described as a "rare blemish," came despite Gill looking comfortable and elegant in the nets, particularly when driving fast bowlers over extra cover. While this dismissal might be a concern, it is important to note that net sessions are primarily for practice and experimentation. Gill's overall form has been impressive, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the Asia Cup.
In contrast to Gill's minor setback, Abhishek Sharma set the training ground ablaze with his aggressive batting display. The left-handed opener, known for his clean hitting and excellent hand-eye coordination, reportedly smashed between 25 to 30 sixes during his hour-long session. Spectators at the ICC Academy training session found it hard to take their eyes off of Sharma's range-hitting. Sharma's power and timing were on full display, with many of his sixes landing well outside the practice venue. This dominant display has positioned him as a potential game-changer for India in the tournament. Sharma heads into the Asia Cup with a promising T20 strike rate since October 2023. Since that time, Sharma has accumulated 2,332 runs in 66 matches at an average of 36.43 and a strike rate of 198.29. In those matches, he has six centuries and 12 fifties, with a best score of 141.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson's place in the playing XI appears uncertain. The Kerala batsman, who had been given a fresh lease of life in T20Is and responded with three centuries in his last 10 innings, might have to sit out. While Samson has a strong record as an opener, averaging 34.75 with a strike rate of 182.89 since being promoted to that position after the 2024 T20 World Cup, the team management seems inclined towards the Gill-Abhishek combination. This is possibly due to Gill's vice-captaincy and Gautam Gambhir's preference for a left-right opening pair. Reports from the practice sessions in Dubai suggest that Samson has been limited in his involvement, further fueling speculation about his exclusion. During one practice, Samson was not summoned to bat and eventually sat on an ice box as others took their turns. When he eventually did bat, he missed a half-tracker from a net bowler.
However, some former cricketers believe that Samson deserves a place in the team. Ravi Shastri has said that Samson is most dangerous at the top of the order and should be left there. Sunil Gavaskar has stated that if Samson is in the 15-man squad, he should be in the XI.
The optional training session also saw Arshdeep Singh focusing on fitness drills under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux. Instead of bowling, Arshdeep went through repeat sprint and shuttle drills. Jitesh Sharma, with Samson possibly sitting out, was seen sharpening his reflexes with "no-look" catching drills under fielding coach T. Dilip.
