Bumrah's long spells to Gill, Samson's knocking session with batting coach and Abhishek's sensational hitting: India's net session in Dubai ahead of UAE clash

Suryakumar Yadav-led India’s preparations for the T20 Asia Cup 2025 are in full tilt at ICC Cricket Academy ahead of their opening clash against United Arab Emirates (UAE). On Day 2 of the practice session, Indian batters focused on clearing the boundaries, taking the aerial route.

Captain Suryakumar, vice captain Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh fine-tuned their skills in the nets. They did not find much issue in hitting the ball over the ropes. Gill did not try any unorthodox shots as he worked on his range-hitting. Suryakumar and Shivam Dube did not take much time to time the ball well and deposit it over the ropes.

Abhishek was at his best. There is a question mark over whether Gill will open with the left-handed batter or Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter Samson was not in the nets. He had a knocking session with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak before joining other batters in the nets. Samson has been in good form of late with big scores in Kerala Cricket League (KCL). He was clearing the boundaries at ICC Cricket Academy as well.

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Rinku, who is one of the best fielders in the lineup, was seen doing a separate fielding drill with coach T Dilip. 

India's pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah cleared all doubts about his fitness. He bowled long spells, most of them to Test captain Gill. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh pitched it short. Hardik Pandya bowled and batted in the nets. Kuldeep Yadav, who is not confirmed a place in the playing XI, bowled extended spells alongside mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Kuldeep posed a few questions against Varma, often beating him.

India's head coach Gambhir was seen having discussions with Suryakumar and Gill. Defending champions India will begin their campaign against UAE on September 10 in Dubai. Their next match is against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. Their third and final game of group stage is on September 17 against Oman in Dubai. 

India’s squad for T20 Asia Cup 2025 -

Surya Kumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), 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.

Standbys: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.