Not Pakistan, India's Champions Trophy-winning star suggests Suryakumar Yadav-led side to not underestimate this team in Asia Cup 2025

Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra reckons the Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan can challenge the Suryakumar Yadav-led side's hegemony with their "passion" and palatial international experience in India's tournament opener clash of the Asia Cup 2025.

Team India are clear favourites to win the tournament on paper by fans and former cricketers. India's 15-member squad all facets of the game and provides the much-needed firepower across the batting and bowling departments.

However, Amit Mishra, who was a part of the MS Dhoni-led ICC Champions Trophy 2013 winning squad, believes that Afghanistan is the only team in the continental tournament that will not be underestimated in the mega event. Considering their participation in the franchise T20 cricket across the globe, their batting and spinners are an intimidating menace.

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"I don't think there will be a big threat to India in the Asia Cup. I think Afghanistan is a team that keeps on fighting. They don't leave the game. They should not be underestimated. They should be played like a good team. They are playing everywhere. Their spinners are good. Their batsmen are good," Mishra said while speaking exclusively to ANI.

"Their bowlers are good. I think they are a team that can make it difficult for India if we underestimate them. I think Afghanistan is a fighting team. They want to do well for their country. I can see the passion in them. They will definitely put India in trouble with their passion. I don't think there will be any threat to India in the Asia Cup," he concluded.

Suryakumar Yadav-led India's Asia Cup 2025 squad are currently in Dubai preparing for their Asia Cup 2025 opener clash, which will take place on September 10 against the UAE at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. The tournament's high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan will take place on September 14 at the same venue. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Team India squad for Asia Cup: 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.

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