India begins its Asia Cup 2025 T20 campaign today against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with all eyes on the team’s opening combination.
The match, scheduled for 8 PM IST, marks the start of India’s title defense in the eight-team tournament.
The biggest talking point ahead of the clash is the potential exclusion of Sanju Samson from the playing XI. With Shubman Gill returning to the T20I squad as vice-captain, he is tipped to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. Captain Suryakumar Yadav remained non-committal about Samson’s inclusion, stating, “We will make the right decision tomorrow.”
India’s predicted XI includes Gill, Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (as wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah. The team may opt for a spin-heavy lineup due to Dubai’s dry conditions and the expected dew factor in evening matches.
UAE, led by Muhammad Waseem, will look to challenge the defending champions with a balanced squad featuring Rahul Chopra, Asif Khan, and Junaid Siddique.
With the tournament returning to the T20 format, India’s depth and bench strength will be tested as they aim to retain the title and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
