Team India, the defending Asia Cup champions, launched their preparations for the 2025 tournament with a comprehensive practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, and bowling coach Morne Morkel, the squad fine-tuned their skills ahead of their opening match against hosts UAE on September 10.

The team, designated as tournament hosts despite the UAE venue, will also face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19, with playoffs commencing on September 20. This marks India’s first collective training since their 2-2 Test series draw against England last month, with players like captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma logging extended batting sessions.

The spotlight shone on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who returned to T20Is after a 40-day break following his standout performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where his 2/18 earned him the player-of-the-series title with 15 wickets. Having faced criticism for missing two Tests during the England series earlier this year, Bumrah appeared rejuvenated, engaging in light-hearted exchanges with teammate Abhishek Sharma.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya turned heads with a bold blonde hairdo, connecting with fans through autographs and interactions. Senior players like Gill, fresh from leading India in England, and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, who enjoyed a month’s rest, focused on fitness and skill drills, adapting to Dubai’s conditions after skipping a preparatory camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

India, who clinched the Champions Trophy in the UAE earlier this year and hold a record eight Asia Cup titles, trained in logo-less jerseys following Dream11’s exit as a sponsor. Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. With a blend of seasoned stars and dynamic youngsters, India’s rigorous Dubai sessions signal their intent to dominate the tournament and extend their storied Asia Cup legacy.

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