India’s new-look T20I side will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts UAE on Wednesday, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav leading a squad built on high-octane cricket under new head coach Gautam Gambhir.
India’s new approach
Since Gambhir’s appointment, India have embraced an all-out attack mantra. Abhishek Sharma has led the charge at the top, and will now be partnered by Shubman Gill, who replaces Sanju Samson in the XI. Despite three centuries in the last 12 months, Samson finds himself on the fringes as Jitesh Sharma takes over wicketkeeping duties.
The clash also marks the return of Jasprit Bumrah to T20Is for the first time since India’s World Cup triumph. This will be India’s first major tournament without stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom retired earlier this year.
UAE’s challenge
For the UAE, the contest offers an opportunity to test themselves against one of cricket’s powerhouses. Despite failing to win in their recent tri-series against Afghanistan and Pakistan, Muhammad Waseem’s men pushed both teams close on multiple occasions. A surprise in Dubai cannot be ruled out if conditions suit.
Pitch report – Dubai International Stadium
The surface at Dubai could be a factor. During the Champions Trophy earlier this year, it heavily assisted spinners, with India fielding just one frontline pacer in Mohammed Shami. However, the Asia Cup pitches are expected to offer more balance, with grass cover aiding batters while also providing pace and bounce for seamers.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra, Asif Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Zohaib, Saghir Khan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid.
Live streaming details
Fans in India can watch the Asia Cup matches on Sony Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV website and app.
