Dubai, September 10, 2025: Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized a focused approach to the Asia Cup 2025, stating, “Before we take on the world, let’s conquer Asia first,” ahead of India’s opening match against hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Speaking at the captains’ press conference on September 9, Yadav highlighted the tournament as a crucial stepping stone for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.
India, the defending champions aiming for a record ninth Asia Cup title, have been training intensely at the ICC Academy in Dubai since September 5. Yadav expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, noting, “We came here early, had good nets, and looked in good shape.” Despite not playing a T20I since February 2025, he dismissed concerns about rustiness, citing the team’s IPL experience and recent training sessions.
The Indian squad, led by Yadav with Shubman Gill as vice-captain, faces selection dilemmas, particularly regarding the opening pair. With Gill returning to the T20I setup after a stellar Test season, he is likely to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, potentially sidelining Sanju Samson despite his recent form. Yadav remained tight-lipped on the playing XI, humorously stating, “I’ll message you the playing eleven tomorrow,” when asked about Samson’s inclusion.
India’s Group A campaign includes matches against UAE (September 10), Pakistan (September 14), and Oman (September 19), with the top two teams advancing to the Super Four stage starting September 20. The high-voltage India-Pakistan clash is a key highlight, but Yadav downplayed any extra aggression, saying, “Aggression is always there on the field. Without it, you can’t play the sport.”Bombay High Court Restrains Mumbai Police in Case Against Actor Dhruva Sarja Over ₹3 Crore Fraud Allegation
The squad features a balanced mix, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy. However, former World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth controversially omitted Kuldeep from his predicted XI for the UAE match, prioritizing batting depth with Shivam Dube.Levi's Men's Slim Fit Mid Rise 511 Mid-Rise Jeans
Yadav also praised UAE’s recent exciting brand of cricket, wishing them well for the tournament. The Asia Cup, hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, kicked off on September 9 with Afghanistan defeating Hong Kong, setting the stage for a competitive tournament.