India Gears Up for Asia Cup 2025 with Emphasis on All-Rounders

India is set to commence its Asia Cup 2025 journey with a match against UAE on September 10 in Dubai.

India’s bowling mentor, Morne Morkel, highlighted the significance of versatile players within the team as they prepare for the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, commencing on September 10.

During a pre-tournament press briefing, Morkel stated that athletes proficient in both batting and bowling will be indispensable during critical moments.

Morkel remarked, “I consider it crucial to view Shivam [Shivam Dube] as a player capable of delivering four overs. I consistently encourage all-rounders to dedicate themselves to honing both skill sets.”

The former South African fast bowler noted that having genuine all-rounders enhances team equilibrium and broadens the tactical choices available to the management.

He added, “Players sometimes prioritize one aspect during training; however, our aim is to ensure thorough preparation. On the day of the match, we require individuals prepared to rise to the occasion and fulfill their roles for the team.”

Morkel also underscored the necessity for batters to cultivate their bowling capabilities, elucidating how supplementary bowlers can contribute valuable adaptability in team selection and game strategies.

He elaborated, “Certainly, we have our primary bowlers prepared to attack. Nonetheless, if we persist in nurturing supplementary bowlers who can execute effectively, it expands our team combination options considerably. It is vital for players to consistently refine these skills daily to enhance their performance.”

Morkel believes that this depth will enable India to adjust effectively to varying conditions and competitors throughout the competition.

He acknowledged, “Admittedly, we haven’t had substantial match exposure in the T20 format recently. However, we’ve concentrated on sustaining heightened intensity during training sessions.”

Morkel voiced his confidence in the players’ ability to excel.

He concluded, “Upon donning the India jersey, the focus shifts entirely to preparing for competition. I am certain that these players will be primed to deliver robust performances when they take the field.”

Notably, the 15th edition of the men’s Asia Cup will be contested in the T20I format, showcasing eight participating nations: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong, organized into two distinct groups.

India finds itself positioned in Group A alongside Oman, Pakistan, and the UAE. Their initial match is scheduled against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by a clash with Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue, and concluding the group stage against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Group B encompasses Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The leading two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, culminating in a final showdown between the top two contenders on September 28.

India’s Asia Cup Squad:

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice captain), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube , Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy , Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson

Reserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal