On the first day of training before the Asia Cup, India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his teammates’ dedication and vigor, saying their skill sets and intensity gave him confidence going into the competition.
India’s campaign will kick off on September 10 against the UAE, the hosts, followed by the highly anticipated matches against Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19. On September 20, the playoffs will get underway.
As they finalize their Asia Cup preparations, defending champions India held a full-fledged practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday.
“To have such a brilliant bunch around with unbelievable skill sets, I always have a smile on my face when I see those boys on the ground,” Suryakumar, returning to action after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia, said in a video posted by BCCI on ‘X’.
“Because the way they put their body on the line, that’s what I want from them. And they just enjoy on the ground.”
The captain’s sentiment was shared by vice-captain Shubman Gill, who recently led India to a 2-2 draw in the England Test series.
“Very excited obviously. I think it’s a great group. And the way we have been playing in the T20s is nothing short of entertaining and terrific cricket. So, very excited to join the group,” said Gill.
The 25-year-old garnered a lot of attention during net sessions and fitness drills. On Friday, the first day of training, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma all had lengthy batting sessions.
The team is getting together for the first time since the 2-2 Test series stalemate in England. Before returning to the team, a number of players, including Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, had a month off.
Bumrah was also positive after rejoining the T20I team following the Bridgetown 2024 World Cup final.
“It feels really good to join the T20 group after a long time. This three-week window was really good, got some time at home,” said the pace spearhead, who last played three Tests at the England series,” he said.
“Young energy, young people in our team, so yeah, looking forward to it, exciting times ahead.”
All-rounder Hardik Pandya claimed to have prioritized family time over the break.
“This time I really took some time out for my son, spent a lot of time with him. At the same time, I thought I will start my sports training earlier, this feels like a good bunch of people around and exciting talent,” he said.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh claimed that the team atmosphere was lively right away.
“It is a lively environment. Laughter and banter going around and it’s day one so we will get into it. By the time we play the first match we will have full intensity,” he said.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s inspirational remarks that set the tone for training were shared by Shivam Dube.
“There is always one thing which the coach has said to every player – whenever you play for your country, you get an opportunity to do something new. Usme achcha utilise kiya hai, training kiya hai, better cricketer banne ka try kiya,” Dube said.
India has an unprecedented eight Asia Cup victories. Taking place at various locations throughout the United Arab Emirates, India are the tournament’s official hosts.
Group A includes India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, whereas Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.
