Asia Cup 2025: Inside India's first training session in Dubai

The Indian cricket team had their first two practice sessions in Dubai ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, first did some bronco drills, the new fitness standard introduced by the medical staff, and then moved on to their individual practice sessions.

According to an ESPN report, India first did some fielding drills in the heat, and then the batters hit the nets after the lights were switched on at the venue. They practised on the centre wicket.

According to the report, it is likely that Sanju Samson is set to face the axe from the Indian playing XI, as Jitesh Sharma was given priority in the nets. Jitesh batted alongside the main batters, while Samson came much later.

Long before Samson took guard, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma were the ones to come out, keeping in line with the batting order of the Indian setup. The reintroduction of Shubman into the side has forced Sanju Samson's exit from the team.

After the trio, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh took the nets and faced the entire Indian bowling unit of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya.

Sanju batted against the local net bowlers and throwdown specialists and looked in good touch.

Asia Cup Schedule

The Asia Cup 2025, played in the T20 format this year, will run from September 9 to 28 across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has scheduled evening games to begin at 8 pm IST.

The marquee clash of the tournament — India versus Pakistan — remains set for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With both sides drawn into Group A, the encounter will be crucial in determining the group standings.

India open their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 in Dubai. Their final group-stage match will be against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B features defending champions Sri Lanka alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.