Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev expressed strong confidence in India’s prospects at the Asia Cup, emphasising the importance of collective effort over individual brilliance ahead of their high-stakes clash against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Speaking on the sidelines of a golf event in New Delhi, Kapil, the President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), backed India to return victorious with the trophy. "I am backing the Indian team. India will play as a team and return home (with the trophy). This is my wish, and I know that with the kind of cricket they are playing, they will return home victorious," he said.

Kapil stressed that the focus should remain on the team rather than individual contributions. "Only talk about India as a team; we should not talk about individuals. "It's a collective," he remarked, dismissing discussions about standout players or potential leadership changes, such as whether Test skipper Shubman Gill could lead in all formats. He emphasised national pride over captaincy debates, stating, "Are they playing for India? That’s much bigger. You are representing the country, and that is more important." Kapil’s comments underscored the need for unity as India prepares for their first match against Pakistan since the border tensions escalated in May.

Reflecting on India’s cricketing legacy, Kapil acknowledged the contributions of stalwarts while highlighting the rise of a new generation. "They had their time and gave a very good account of themselves; they played really well for India. A new generation has taken over; they have to prove (now)," he noted. His remarks signal a transition in Indian cricket, with emerging players expected to carry forward the team’s legacy in the tournament.

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Kapil also urged the Indian squad to stay focused on their performance despite external pressures, particularly in light of the Pahalgam attack. He reiterated the importance of concentrating on the game, saying, "Players should concentrate only on their performance and not get distracted by anything else. Just go and win." While India maintains a policy of avoiding bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan due to geopolitical tensions, participation in multilateral events like the Asia Cup remains unaffected, allowing this marquee clash to proceed.

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