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The Asia Cup 2025 got underway in Abu Dhabi on September 9, where Afghanistan made a strong statement by defeating Hong Kong by a massive margin of 94 runs in the tournament’s opening encounter. Rashid Khan‘s men dominated from start to finish, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling competition.
The focus now shifts to Dubai, where India will open their campaign against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in what is expected to draw massive crowds and viewership. With plenty of excitement already building, the Men in Blue will be eager to make a solid start under the new leadership of Suryakumar Yadav.
India ready for new challenge under Suryakumar Yadav
For India, the 2025 Asia Cup holds added significance. This will be their first major tournament with Suryakumar as full-time captain, and the swashbuckling batter has already earned the trust of selectors and teammates alike. Known for his fearless stroke play and aggressive mindset, Suryakumar is expected to bring a fresh approach to India’s campaign.
The squad boasts a powerful batting line-up featuring the likes of Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh provide balance. On paper, India appear one of the strongest sides in the tournament, and expectations are soaring high among fans and experts.
Shoaib Malik highlights India’s weak point
However, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has issued a word of caution, pointing out what he believes could be India’s Achilles heel. Speaking on Cricket with Fabi Butt, Malik stressed that while India’s batting strength is undeniable, their reliance on power hitters might not be suited to the slow and turning tracks of the UAE.
“The pitches of UAE are such where batsmen are not able to score freely. Shreyas Iyer was the kind of batter India needed in these conditions—he proved himself during the Champions Trophy here. If you look at the current Indian team, most batters will only play one way. All are hitters. On tracks in South Africa and Australia, that approach works, but in the UAE, this can be their weak link,” Malik said.
Malik further warned that India could be in trouble if faced with quality spin bowling on sluggish pitches. He added: “There is no doubt India are the strongest contenders for the title. But the day spin becomes a little challenging, their batters can face difficulties.”
High expectations from Men in Blue
Despite Malik’s assessment, the Indian camp remains upbeat. Fans believe the team has enough depth and adaptability to counter such conditions. With the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missing this time, the younger generation has a golden opportunity to step up and prove their mettle on the big stage.
