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Asia Cup 2025: India players and head coach Gautam Gambhir arrived in Dubai on Thursday evening. The team will hold its first training session on Friday, five days before their tournament opener against the UAE.

Defending champions India are set to commence their Asia Cup 2025 preparations with practice sessions in Dubai, foregoing a preparatory camp in India. Players will assemble individually, with captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir already en route. India's campaign begins against UAE on September 10, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on September 14.

Mohammad Kaif advocates for Sanju Samson to bat at No.3 in the Asia Cup 2025, ahead of Tilak Varma. Citing Samson's experience and form, Kaif believes he's ideal against Afghanistan, especially facing Rashid Khan. He highlighted Samson's IPL record, South African centuries, and Kerala Cricket League performance.

Team India will participate in the Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor after Dream11 ended its contract due to new online gaming regulations. Consequently, the 'India' logo on the team's jerseys will be more prominent.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan feels the return of Shubman Gill in T20Is won't put any extra pressure on Suryakumar Yadav as he's not an insecure player.

Shubman Gill and Harbhajan Singh have voiced their concerns and support for Punjab as devastating floods impact over 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts. The floods have caused widespread displacement and damage, prompting the state government to establish relief camps and mobilise multiple agencies for rescue operations. Support and resources are being directed to aid affected communities.

Nasser Hussain stated that with Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement, the game has lost a one-of-a-kind old-school batter. He added that Shubman Gill and Joe Root are reluctant to take on the challenging No. 3 position.

Robin Uthappa suggests Shubman Gill's selection for the T20I Asia Cup and his vice-captaincy might be influenced by star power and marketing considerations, despite his recent strong Test performance. Uthappa believes that India has a history of backing superstars, and Gill's inclusion aligns with this trend, especially after a successful IPL 2025 season.

Rohit Sharma, India's ODI captain, was recently filmed in a light-hearted video with the team physiotherapist after undergoing a fitness test in Bengaluru alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill. Having retired from Test cricket, Rohit is set to play for India A against Australia A in Kanpur as preparation for the upcoming ODI tour of Australia in October.

Sanju Samson is dominating the Kerala Cricket League 2025, silencing critics with four consecutive match-winning knocks for Kochi Blue Tigers. He has amassed 368 runs at a blistering strike rate of 186.80, including a century and three Player of the Match awards.

Sanju Samson showcased his exceptional form in the Kerala Cricket League, smashing 83 off 41 balls, marking his fourth consecutive fifty-plus score. This performance arrives as he vies for an opening position in the Asia Cup squad alongside Shubman Gill.

Rohit Sharma, after completing fitness tests with Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill, engaged in playful banter with Mumbai airport paparazzi. Sharma last played competitive cricket in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, having since retired from Test cricket. He's gearing up for the limited-overs tour of Australia, while Gill and Bumrah prepare for the Asia Cup 2025.

Arshdeep Singh, after an unfortunate injury during the England Test series, showcased his readiness in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal. Despite not playing, he utilised his time in England to hone his skills, focusing on strength and conditioning.

The BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is buzzing with activity as Indian cricketers gear up for upcoming tournaments. Rohit Sharma, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and others, underwent pre-season fitness tests under Adrian le Roux. Discussions are ongoing about Rohit potentially playing for India 'A' before the Australia series.

As India gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Suresh Raina suggests a bold opening pair. With Kohli and Sharma potentially out, Raina backs youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma to lead the charge. He also mentioned Priyansh Arya, who impressed in his debut IPL season, could be a surprise package.

Shubman Gill, recovering from a viral flu, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru to begin Asia Cup preparations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He will undergo assessment and training due to unsuitable facilities near his home, and is likely to depart for Dubai from Bengaluru, joining other squad members.

Sanju Samson's explosive form in the Kerala Cricket League, marked by three consecutive fifties, has reignited discussions about his place in India's Asia Cup squad. His adaptability and attacking prowess, showcased by a blistering 121 and consistent scoring, have impressed many.

Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts a strong comeback for Shreyas Iyer. Iyer was ignored for the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Lobo believes Iyer's horoscope indicates a potential captaincy. He suggests Iyer could lead India to a major tournament victory, possibly a World Cup. Lobo warns selectors against overlooking Iyer's talent.

Former India cricketer, Virender Sehwag, believes that the upcoming Asia Cup will serve as the perfect testing ground for the Indian team to build their team for the T20 World Cup, slated to take place next year.

Bazid Khan analyzed India's Asia Cup squad, noting the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will impact the team's intensity. He highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's struggles against Pakistan and emphasized Ravindra Jadeja's all-round contribution and fielding prowess will be missed. India faces the challenge of finding the right combination to compensate for these key players.