As the Asia Cup 2025 officially begins, Team India has intensified its preparations under the guidance of fielding coach T Dilip. With their opening clash against the UAE scheduled for September 10 in Dubai, the Men in Blue are leaving no stone unturned to sharpen their skills and start their campaign on a strong note. A recent training session saw the squad engaged in high-intensity fielding drills, focusing heavily on direct hits at the stumps — an area Dilip believes can be a game-changer in T20 cricket.
In a video shared by the BCCI, T Dilip explained his innovative approach: “We have to earn a couple of wickets ourselves as fielders, apart from the bowlers in this T20 format, and the best way to do it is to get some direct hits.” The team has been divided into two competitive groups, fostering intensity and precision ahead of their high-stakes fixtures.
India’s group-stage schedule is packed with key encounters, including their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14, also in Dubai, followed by a face-off with Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19. With these crucial games approaching, the Indian squad appears focused, disciplined, and eager to make a statement.
WATCH – Suryakumar Yadav’s Witty Response to Sanju Samson’s Playing XI Spot
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav emphasised the importance of fielding in setting the tone for the team’s campaign. “If we want to be the fittest team leading into the World Cup, fielding is one area where we can focus really well. Let’s be energetic on the ground, but it has to start with the fielding unit,” he said.
View this post on Instagram
Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4 stage, scheduled from September 20 to 26. Dubai will host most of India’s matches if they top their group, while Abu Dhabi will see action if they finish second. The tournament will culminate with the grand final in Dubai on September 28.
ALSO READ: Alishan Sharafu Excited To Face Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah As UAE Gears Up For India Clash
Team India squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku SinghReserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
