Shubman Gill meets long-lost friend in India-UAE T20 Asia Cup 2025 clash

September 11, 2025

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On September 10, India and UAE locked horns at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in T20 Asia Cup 2025.

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IND vs UAE in Asia Cup 2025

Before the game, UAE’s left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh revealed that he had bowled to a 11 or 12-year-old Gill in Punjab.

When Simranjeet bowled in nets to Gill

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The Ludhiana-born Simranjeet could not make it to Punjab’s Ranji Trophy side.

No Ranji spot for Simranjeet

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Before the deadly second wave of Covid-19, he moved to UAE where he was not eligible to play instantly.

Simranjeet moves to UAE

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Simranjeet did the grind in UAE’s domestic cricket before getting a central contract from Emirates Cricket Board.

Simranjeet gets central contract

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On September 10, 35-year-old Simranjeet played his first match against India.

Simranjeet plays vs India

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With the bat, Simranjeet got out lbw as he attempted to play sweep shot off Axar Patel. He scored just 1 run from 5 balls.

Single-digit score for Simranjeet

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Simranjeet was asked to bowl the 5th over. Shubman Gill hit him for a four off 3rd ball to finish the run chase.

From nets to international cricket

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After hitting the boundary, Gill walked up to Simranjeet and hugged him as India won by 9 wickets.

Gill recognises Simranjeet

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Simranjeet Singh has played 5 ODIs and 13 T20Is so far and taken 10 and 15 wickets respectively.

Simranjeet's international career numbers

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