Indian cricket fans received a key update ahead of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, as vice-captain Shubman Gill is set to undergo a mandatory fitness test at the National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Gill, who was recently unwell, missed the ongoing Duleep Trophy inter-zonal red-ball competition, raising concerns about his readiness for the high-profile continental event. According to Indian media reports, the stylish opener has already arrived in Bengaluru for the test, which is compulsory for all players named in India’s Asia Cup squad.
While the exact date of his assessment at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) facility is yet to be confirmed, sources suggest that Gill will fly directly to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) once cleared.
Recovery after illness
The 25-year-old reportedly spent a few days training in his hometown Chandigarh after recovering from his illness, before making the trip to Bengaluru. His presence will be crucial for India, especially with the Men in Blue eyeing a strong start in Group A, which also features arch-rivals Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman.
India’s build-up plans
The Indian squad will assemble in Dubai on September 4, with players allowed to travel from their respective cities for logistical ease. Their first training session is scheduled for September 5 at the ICC Academy, where preparations will kick off in full swing.
“All the players will arrive in Dubai by the evening of September 4, and the first nets session will be held on September 5,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.
Tournament opener against UAE
India begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against UAE at the Dubai International Stadium. But all eyes will be on the September 14 clash against Pakistan, which promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill (vc), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson
Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal
