Team India’s First Intense Practice Session Ahead of T20 Asia Cup 2025; Bumrah's Return To T20 Format
Defending champions India had a full-fledged practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday as they put the finishing touches to their Asia Cup preparations.
The Indian cricket team on Friday started preparations for the T20 Asia Cup 2025 with its first practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, the team will enter this eight-nation tournament. The tournament will start from September 9.
India will start its T20 Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10. After this, the India-Pakistan match will be held in Dubai on September 14. India will play the last match of the group stage against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19.
Many players including captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Tilak Verma, bowling coach Morne Morkel, spin duo Varun Chakraborty and Kuldeep Yadav, Rinku Singh practiced at the ICC Academy. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and veteran fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah were also seen talking to each other during the practice.
The Indian team is participating in this big tournament after a break of almost a month after the last Test series against England. The team management did not hold any preparatory camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and instead gave the players a chance to acclimatize to the weather and conditions by reaching Dubai early.
Bumrah's return to T20 format
Bumrah is making a comeback to the T20 format. He last played in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Bridgetown, where his brilliant performance of 2/18 led India to a seven-run win against South Africa.
Bumrah was named Player of the Series with 15 wickets in that tournament. Bumrah, who faced criticism after missing two Tests in the home Test series against England earlier this year, has returned to the team after a 40-day break. He was seen having a light conversation with Abhishek Sharma during practice.
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was in the news with his new blonde hairstyle. He interacted with fans and also gave autographs. At the same time, Sanju Samson was seen interacting with fielding coach and head coach Gautam Gambhir.