India First Training Session Before All Important Update

India Kicks Off Asia Cup 2025 Preparations with First Training Session in Dubai

The Indian cricket team, the defending champions, has officially begun its final phase of preparation for the Asia Cup 2025 with a full-fledged practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. This marks the team's first collective training session since the conclusion of the Test series in England last month.

Unlike previous tournaments, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to skip a preparatory camp in India, instead asking players to assemble directly in Dubai for an extended run of practice sessions to acclimatize to the local conditions ahead of their campaign opener.

Key Highlights from the First Training Session:

• Star Players in Attendance: The session saw the participation of key players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, and pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is making his return to T20Is after a break. Other notable players who had extended batting stints in the nets included Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma.

• Bumrah's Return: All eyes were on Jasprit Bumrah as he re-joined the squad. His last T20I appearance was in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. His return to the T20I setup after a 40-day break was keenly observed by the team management and media.

• New Look, New Era: All-rounder Hardik Pandya sported a new blonde hairdo, while the team's jerseys were notably without a lead sponsor, following the end of their association with Dream11. This marks a fresh visual start for the team as they begin their journey under head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was also present at the session.

• Focus on Acclimatization: The decision to arrive early in Dubai underscores the team's focus on adapting to the climate and playing conditions in the UAE before the tournament officially starts.

• Tournament Schedule: India's campaign in the Asia Cup begins on September 10 against hosts UAE in Dubai. They will then face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14, followed by a match against Oman on September 19.