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India began their Asia Cup campaign with a crushing nine-wicket win over the UAE on Wednesday. The World champions have all their bases covered and will be a side to beat in the tournament. Former India coach delves into India's prospects and their strong spin attack.

Ajay Jadeja has said that the India vs UAE clash lacked any competitiveness, raising questions over whether the Asia Cup should be an eight-team contest. He further noted that though India is a superior team, there was no fight shown by the opposition.

Kuldeep Yadav's mesmerizing spin dismantled UAE, securing India a dominant nine-wicket victory in their Asia Cup 2025 opener. Kuldeep's remarkable 4 for 7 earned him Player of the Match after seven years. India chased down the target swiftly, setting the stage for a high-voltage clash against Pakistan.

Asia Cup: After months on the sidelines, Kuldeep Yadav unleashed a flawless spin masterclass, leaving a clueless UAE in tatters and proving once again why he's India's deadliest spinner.

Shivam Dube dismissed comparisons with Hardik Pandya, emphasizing his respect and learning from the star all-rounder. In the Asia Cup opener, India chose Dube over Arshdeep Singh, a strategic move that bolstered the batting lineup.

Ending a 16-match toss drought, India chose to field and decimated UAE for 57 runs, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming four wickets. A bizarre incident involving Junaid Siddique led to Suryakumar Yadav withdrawing an appeal in a sporting gesture. Despite the reprieve, Siddique was soon dismissed, and India's dominant bowling display secured a comprehensive victory.

Star wicketkeeper Sanju Samson retained his spot in India's playing XI for the Asia Cup T20 opener against hosts UAE in Dubai on Thursday, even with vice-captain Shubman Gill returning to the side.

Defending champions India are gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 with intense practice sessions in Dubai, emphasising all-rounder development and fine-tuning bowling combinations. Bowling coach Morne Morkel highlights the team's focus on intensity and execution, respecting Pakistan while prioritising their own game. The team aims to leave no stone unturned in their preparation for the tournament.

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has revealed that wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been working hard on his bowling despite not getting a chance to play in England.

Ravi Shastri advocates for wrist-spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav in India's Asia Cup XI, emphasizing Kuldeep's peak form. He believes Surya Kumar Yadav is a capable T20 captain, leading a fearless and talented team. Shastri acknowledges Jasprit Bumrah's brilliance but cautions against complacency, highlighting the need for spinners to perform well.

Former cricketer Madan Lal backed India as strong favourites to defend their Asia Cup title in Dubai, highlighting the importance of Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion and the rising challenge posed by Afghanistan.

Former India spinner Maninder Singh feels Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be benched again by the team management in the Asia Cup 2025. The 60-year-old backed Varun Chakravarthy to be India's X-factor in the tournament, starting September 9.

Aakash Chopra suggests Gautam Gambhir's preference for bowlers who can bat might be limiting Kuldeep Yadav's opportunities, despite his improved red-ball form. Kuldeep didn't feature in the England Test series, raising questions about his role under Gambhir's coaching approach. While he's in the Asia Cup squad, a significant role may have to wait for home conditions.

Kuldeep Yadav shared an Instagram story with his fiancée, Vanshika. The couple got engaged back on June 4 in Lucknow. The private ceremony, attended by family and friends including Rinku Singh, took place after the IPL season. Despite being India's only specialist spinner in the Test squad in England, Kuldeep did not play in any of the five matches against England in the Test series.

Keshav Maharaj has regained the top spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, surpassing Kuldeep Yadav, who now ranks third. Namibia's Bernard Scholtz made a significant leap to fourth, marking a milestone for Associate cricket. Shubman Gill remains the top ODI batter, while India's Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma lead the T20I batting rankings, showcasing India's dominance in both formats.

Following India's defeat in the first Test against England, former Australia captain Michael Clarke advocates for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in the second Test at Edgbaston. Clarke emphasizes Kuldeep's wicket-taking ability, suggesting India prioritizes bowlers who can secure 20 wickets. Echoing this sentiment, former England batter Nick Knight believes Kuldeep's variations could challenge England's aggressive batting.

Following their defeat in the first Test, India is contemplating changes for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Jasprit Bumrah's participation is uncertain due to workload management. Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion is strongly considered, given England's struggles against wrist spin.

Following India's defeat to England, Sunil Gavaskar suggested that spinner Kuldeep Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur for the Birmingham Test, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin. Gavaskar also expressed concerns about the middle order, particularly Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair after their dismissals.

Jasprit Bumrah displayed intense focus during practice at Edgbaston, bowling with pace and accuracy alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Kuldeep Yadav is also working diligently on both his bowling and batting, potentially becoming a key option for the second Test given Birmingham's dry conditions. The team will now take a break before regrouping, with Bumrah's availability remaining uncertain.