Asia Cup 2025: India must avoid complacency against smaller teams, says Robin Uthappa

As India prepares to launch their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the United Arab Emirates, former cricketer Robin Uthappa has cautioned the Men in Blue to guard against complacency and ensure they maintain intensity throughout the tournament.

Speaking on Sony Sports, the 2007 T20 World Cup winner noted that while India are clear favourites to lift the continental title, the danger lies in underestimating opponents.

"I think complacency is a danger, so I’d make sure they take every game respectfully," Uthappa said. "The quality of players is so good that sometimes you can take your foot off the pedal, thinking, ‘Listen, we’ll dominate, so you can relax.’ That is something they need to look out for."

India enters the competition in strong form, fresh from their T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, and boasts a deep squad led by Suryakumar Yadav. However, Uthappa emphasised that respect for every opposition, including underdogs like the UAE, is essential if India is to avoid slip-ups.

Beyond on-field focus, Uthappa stressed the importance of unity within the dressing room. With the squad featuring several players in contention for spots at the 2026 T20 World Cup, he said, ensuring a healthy atmosphere free from egos or insecurity would be critical.

"They need to make sure the health of the team is really good," he explained. "In this unit, there may be two or three more guys who are going to be the key contenders for the World Cup next year. So you want everyone getting along, keeping the dressing room atmosphere light, but at the same time, playing for each other."

WATCH OUT FOR THE DARK HORSES

Looking beyond the UAE, Uthappa also warned that India must be wary of potential dark horses. Afghanistan, in particular, continue to emerge as a force in white-ball cricket, having reached the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

"A team like Afghanistan, where the bowling is really good, can put pressure on them," Uthappa concluded.

With Uthappa’s words ringing in their ears, the Men in Blue will aim to balance confidence with caution as they kickstart their Asia Cup defence.

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