Oman captain Jatinder Singh called on his Indian counterparts to open doors for his team to train in the sub-continent, aiming to bridge the quality gap between Associate and Test-playing nations. Singh made the comments after Oman’s spirited outing against India in the 2025 Asia Cup group stage on Friday, September 19. Despite India winning by 21 runs, Oman’s young squad showcased promise, challenging the Men in Blue with a resilient batting display.

India posted 188/8, experimenting with strategies such as resting captain Suryakumar Yadav from batting and rotating eight bowlers. Oman responded strongly, reaching 149/1 by the 18th over before succumbing to pressure in the death overs. The match, at times, hinted at a potential upset, illustrating Oman’s growing competitiveness.

“Well, I think if we can get India coming forward, letting us make their home our home… if we can train there, go to the NCAs, work on our skills, mental conditioning, fitness, and play T20s against club and Ranji teams, it will help us immensely and fill the gap,” Jatinder Singh said in a post-match press conference, as reported by Cricbuzz.

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Jatinder Singh emphasised the significance of exposure for Associate nations, pointing out the rarity of competing against Test-playing sides.

“We are an Associate nation. The reality is we do not often get to play with the Test-playing nations,” he said. “We are fortunate to have this platform, and I am proud of how the boys showed character under pressure. Tournaments like this, if held regularly, should include more Associates, giving them a chance to rub shoulders with stronger teams and close the gap.”

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The Oman captain’s comments underline a wider conversation in global cricket about the development of Associate nations. By gaining access to sub-continental training facilities and regular matches against India’s domestic teams, Oman could enhance skills, fitness, and mental resilience, better preparing for international competitions. Singh’s vision highlights how exposure, mentorship, and consistent high-level competition can accelerate growth, helping smaller nations compete more confidently on the world stage.