With the Asia Cup 2025 just days away, Team India kicked off their high-intensity practice sessions at the ICC Academy in Dubai, and all eyes were on the thrilling face-off between Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah. The two stars engaged in a competitive yet light-hearted contest during fielding drills before locking horns in the nets, setting the tone for India’s preparation ahead of their campaign opener against hosts UAE on September 10.
Day one of practice showcased a strong sense of intent, with players starting off with fitness drills, stretching routines, and a team huddle led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, whose leadership energy set the atmosphere.
Among the squad, Bumrah’s intensity stood out as he darted around the field, diving and sprinting with full commitment—much to the delight of fielding coach T. Dilip. His fitness levels were a reassuring sign for India as they gear up for their title defence. Shubman Gill couldn’t resist playfully teasing Bumrah with a quick “Stiff legs” comment, but the pacer responded with a cheeky wave before resuming his relentless drills.
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Despite strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux repeatedly reminding players to train at “75% intensity,” Bumrah didn’t hold back. When it was time for the nets, he came steaming in at full throttle against Gill, delivering a sharp nip-backer that beat the Test skipper after Gill had driven him through the covers earlier.
Stiff legs: Gill teases Bumrah, Samson watches Jitesh’s keeping drills as India gears up for Asia Cuphttps://t.co/KuIrkyMuhv
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) September 6, 2025
India’s training session wasn’t just about their star batter-pacer rivalry. The competition for spots in the playing XI is heating up, especially between wicketkeepers Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma. Samson, who has been part of India’s recent tours, watched on as Jitesh underwent an intense keeping session, featuring rigorous footwork, catching, and glove drills.
Having last played a competitive match in June, Jitesh appeared determined to make up for lost time, while Samson has been in touch with six recent games in the Karnataka Cricket League (KCL). The team’s practice sessions also saw Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya working on their skills, while Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana focused heavily on bowling fitness.
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With matches scheduled across Dubai and Abu Dhabi—grounds that traditionally favour Indian spinners and stroke-makers—India’s training intensity reflects their determination to defend the Asia Cup title. As the countdown to September 9’s tournament opener narrows, the healthy competition within the squad, especially between Gill and Bumrah, is a strong indicator of India’s readiness for another blockbuster campaign.
