Dubai: Ahead of India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized the team’s goal: to “conquer Asia” before taking on the world’s best in the shortest format.
On paper, India enters the tournament as clear favorites, with a balanced 15-player squad offering firepower across both batting and bowling departments.
India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by a high-voltage clash against Pakistan on September 14, also in Dubai. The team will conclude their group stage matches against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
In an Instagram video posted by the Indian Cricket Team, Suryakumar said, “It was a long off, but I am back. Before we take on the world, let’s conquer Asia first.”
The 34-year-old star returned to action following successful sports hernia surgery in Munich, Germany, shortly after the IPL 2025 season. After completing his rehab at the Centre of Excellence in India, Suryakumar revealed that he is “feeling good” and ready to contribute.
Historically, India has won the Asia Cup eight times (1984, 1988, 1990-91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2023). On this, vice-captain Shubman Gill remarked, “Eight times, to be precise.”
In the 2025 edition, India will face Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka in pursuit of another Asia Cup title. Left-handed batter Tilak Varma stressed the importance of staying vigilant: “No opponent can be taken lightly.”
Team India squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
Players: 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
