India’s countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 has officially begun — and it kicked off not just with sweat in Dubai nets but also with a fresh look. After the exit of Dream11 as a sponsor, Team India’s brand-new training jersey made its first appearance during the side’s practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday.
The atmosphere at training was intense but lively. Vice-captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah engaged in a friendly yet fiery contest. Gill teased Bumrah with a cheeky “stiff legs” remark, only to see Bumrah bite back with sharp deliveries and some animated sprints across the outfield.
Sanju Samson, meanwhile, quietly observed from the sidelines after his own energy-draining batting stint. With Samson and Jitesh Sharma both vying for the wicketkeeper’s role, every net session is a silent audition. Jitesh went through his keeping drills while Samson watched closely — a battle for one slot that could shape India’s line-up.
Before the nets, the squad went through rigorous stretches — shuttle runs, high knees, soft throws — the usual grind in Dubai’s draining heat. Once the batters walked in, Gill looked fluent driving through the covers, but Bumrah wasn’t in the mood to give freebies. India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav joined Gill, working on timing and rhythm as he continues his comeback from sports hernia surgery.
Young Abhishek Sharma added a twist, rolling his arm over with left-arm orthodox, wrist spin, and even his backspinner. Bowling coach Morne Morkel kept a sharp eye on Shivam Dube’s action, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana focused more on mobility and fitness than bowling.
The new training jersey, though, stole a fair share of attention. With a revamped design following Dream11’s departure, the fresh kit signalled a new chapter for the Men in Blue ahead of their title defence.
India begins its Asia Cup campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 in Dubai. The much-awaited clash with Pakistan is set for September 14 — another blockbuster chapter in cricket’s fiercest rivalry. The group stage will wrap up with a fixture against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19.
Team India Squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Suryakumar 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 Singh
Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal
