The Indian cricket team has officially begun preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 after landing in Dubai on 4 September. With the defending champions set to begin their campaign against hosts UAE on 10 September, the team wasted no time and kicked off rigorous practice sessions at the ICC Cricket Academy on Friday. Players worked on both fitness and skill drills as they geared up for the continental challenge.
India’s Asia Cup Schedule and Tournament Outlook
India, the most successful team in the history of the tournament with eight titles, enters the competition as the reigning champion. Their group stage fixtures will test both experience and adaptability.
The campaign begins on 10 September against UAE, followed by the much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on 14 September. The third group match will be against Oman on 19 September. From 20 September, the playoffs are scheduled to begin.
The tournament holds extra weight this year as India is not only defending its title but also preparing its squad combinations for upcoming ICC tournaments.
Players Return After England Test Series
This training session in Dubai marked the first time that Indian players regrouped after the England Test series. The return to limited-overs cricket required quick adjustments, and the players responded with full intensity in the nets.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill were seen spending long hours batting in the nets, refining their shot selection and timing. Youngsters like Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma also engaged in extensive practice to solidify their roles.
Several key players, including Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, were given a month-long rest prior to the tournament to manage workload and fitness. That break has now ended, and all eyes are on how they transition back into competitive cricket.
Focus on Fitness and Conditions
Unlike previous editions, the team management decided not to hold a camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in India. Instead, the decision was made to fly players directly to Dubai earlier than usual. The rationale was to allow cricketers enough time to adjust to local conditions, weather, and pitches.
During the first practice session, players underwent fitness drills, catching routines, and light skill-based workouts. Special focus was placed on Shubman Gill, who recently led the Test team in England. Coaches monitored his batting closely as he prepared to anchor India’s top order in the Asia Cup.
Spotlight on Jasprit Bumrah’s T20 Comeback
A major talking point in Dubai was the return of Jasprit Bumrah to T20 cricket. The pace spearhead last played in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where he produced an unforgettable spell of 2/18, guiding India to a thrilling seven-run victory against South Africa. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Series award, finishing with 15 wickets in the tournament.
Bumrah missed parts of the domestic Test series against England earlier this year, drawing criticism from some quarters. After a 40-day break, his comeback at the Asia Cup will be closely monitored. During training, Bumrah appeared in good rhythm and interacted casually with teammates, including Abhishek Sharma.
Team Management and Coaching Staff
The session was conducted under the supervision of head coach Gautam Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, and bowling coach Morne Morkel. Their approach focused on blending intensity with recovery, ensuring players peaked at the right time during the tournament.
Sanju Samson was spotted in a long discussion with both the fielding coach and Gambhir, while other players divided time between batting nets, bowling practice, and fielding drills. The coaching staff emphasized role clarity and tactical awareness for upcoming matches.
Hardik Pandya Grabs Attention with New Look
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya remained a fan favorite during the training session. His new golden hairstyle turned heads, while his interactions with supporters, including selfies and autographs, created buzz around the camp. Beyond the glamour, Pandya’s role as a finisher and key all-round option will be critical in India’s Asia Cup campaign.
Team India’s Jersey Without Sponsor Logo
An unusual sight during the Dubai training session was the absence of a title sponsor logo on India’s jerseys. With Dream11 no longer the official sponsor, players practiced in plain jerseys featuring only the national emblem. This move sparked discussions among fans and analysts, highlighting the commercial aspects surrounding Indian cricket.
India’s Dominance in Asia Cup History
India has historically been the most dominant side in the Asia Cup, having won the tournament a record eight times. This legacy brings both pride and pressure. The team is once again seen as the frontrunner, especially given the depth in batting and bowling.
The UAE may be the host, but India holds the official hosting rights, making the tournament symbolically significant. Matches across multiple UAE venues will test the team’s adaptability to varying pitch conditions, ranging from spin-friendly tracks to surfaces aiding fast bowlers.
Fan Expectations and Social Media Buzz
The arrival of Team India in Dubai generated massive excitement on social media. Videos from the ICC Academy practice sessions trended widely, with fans sharing clips of players sweating it out in the nets. Supporters are particularly eager for the India vs Pakistan clash on 14 September, which is expected to be one of the most-watched games of the year.
Fans also expressed curiosity about India’s final squad combinations, especially regarding the roles of Samson, Jitesh Sharma, and Tilak Varma in the middle order. The debate over whether Bumrah can regain his T20 dominance remains one of the hottest topics among cricket enthusiasts.
As the countdown to the Asia Cup begins, Team India’s preparations in Dubai underline a focused approach. With Suryakumar Yadav leading, Shubman Gill assisting as deputy, and senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya returning to action, the squad blends youth and experience.
The choice to train early in Dubai rather than India reflects the team management’s emphasis on adapting to conditions and minimizing surprises. The absence of a jersey sponsor has not distracted players, who appear concentrated on their cricket.
India’s title defense journey will begin against UAE on 10 September 2025, with high-stakes clashes to follow against Pakistan and Oman. For the team and millions of fans, the goal is clear: to extend India’s dominance and capture a ninth Asia Cup crown.
