Team India has wasted no time kicking off its Asia Cup 2025 preparations, holding its first training session at the ICC Academy Oval in Dubai on Friday. What caught fans’ attention was the absence of a sponsor logo on the players’ jerseys, hinting that India may take the field in this tournament wearing sponsor-free kits. This change follows Dream11’s decision to withdraw as the team’s main sponsor after the recently passed ‘Online Gaming Bill 2025,’ which impacted the company’s operations.
The Dream11 logo had featured prominently on India’s jerseys during their England tour, but the sponsorship contract has now been terminated. The training session was intense, with Shubman Gill spending considerable time in the nets, facing Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery pace.
Sanju Samson, who is in contention for a wicketkeeper-batter spot, also batted for 30 minutes under sweltering conditions. Samson faces competition from Jitesh Sharma, who focuses on wicketkeeping drills while keeping a close watch on Samson’s batting.
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Suryakumar Yadav, who is leading India in this Asia Cup and making a comeback after hernia surgery, looked sharp during his batting stint. Youngsters like Jitesh Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma also had extended batting practice, with Abhishek contributing with the ball. Bowling coach Morne Morkel was seen closely observing Shivam Dube’s run-up and action, ensuring fine-tuning ahead of crucial fixtures.
The Men in Blue get in the groove! 🤸♂️
📸 Team India’s first practice session ahead of the #DPWorldAsiaCup2025#ACC pic.twitter.com/OuD4eu6pHW
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 5, 2025
Team India get their Asia Cup prep rolling 👊 pic.twitter.com/tQlAbkd5DV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 5, 2025
Team India Practice Session ahead of the Asia Cup. 🔥🔥
THE MEN IN BLUE READY FOR CONQUER THE TOURNAMENT. 💙 pic.twitter.com/OtPhYFt6HF
— DIVYANSH CHAUHAN (@Imchauhan28) September 6, 2025
Meanwhile, fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana focused more on fitness drills alongside Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, highlighting India’s emphasis on workload management.
India will open its Asia Cup campaign against hosts UAE on September 10, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 14 and a group-stage match against Oman on September 19. The playoffs begin on September 20, where India will aim to defend its Asia Cup title.
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With a blend of seasoned stars and exciting youngsters, Rohit Sharma’s absence following his T20I and Test retirements marks a new era for India. This Asia Cup will test India’s bench strength and tactical flexibility as they gear up for a packed cricketing calendar ahead.
