Defending champion India had a full-fledged observe session on the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) Academy right here on Friday because it put the ending touches to its Asia Cup preparations.
India will open its marketing campaign towards host United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10, earlier than dealing with arch-rival Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19. The playoffs start on September 20.
This was the primary time the gamers skilled collectively for the reason that England Take a look at sequence, which led to a 2-2 draw final month. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma all had prolonged batting stints within the nets.
A number of senior gamers, together with Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav, had a month’s relaxation forward of the event.
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The group administration didn’t maintain a preparatory camp on the BCCI Centre of Excellence and as a substitute selected to reach early in Dubai to acclimatise.
At coaching, Gill, recent from his exploits in main the Take a look at aspect in England, drew loads of consideration because the group went by means of health routines and lightweight expertise work.
Among the many senior gamers, Bumrah’s return to T20Is was additionally keenly noticed.
His final look within the format got here within the 2024 T20 World Cup closing in Bridgetown, the place his two for 18 helped India safe a seven-run win over South Africa and have become the Participant-of-the-Sequence with 15 wickets.
Bumrah, who drew criticism for lacking two Checks in the course of the gruelling house sequence towards England earlier this 12 months, has now rejoined the squad — this time the T20I aspect — after a 40-day break.
Bumrah was seen sharing a lightweight dialog with Abhishek, whereas Samson engaged with fielding coach and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
The highlight was additionally on all-rounder Hardik Pandya, sporting a placing new blonde hairdo as he interacted with followers and signed autographs.
India, which lifted the Champions Trophy within the UAE earlier this 12 months, skilled below head coach Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel.
With Dream11 now not a sponsor, the group skilled in jerseys with none logos. India has received the Asia Cup a document eight instances.
India is the designated host of the event, which is being staged throughout venues within the UAE. Group A contains India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman, whereas Group B options Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
India’s fixtures at Asia Cup:
- India vs UAE – September 10
- India vs Pakistan – September 14
- India vs Oman – September 19.
Revealed on Sep 05, 2025