Gill’s Comeback, Jitesh’s Inclusion Spark Buzz in Asia Cup Opener
NEW DELHI
Team India is all set to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a curtain-raiser against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium. The tournament’s early highlight will be the much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan, scheduled for September 14 at the same venue.
This edition of the Asia Cup also marks India’s comeback to T20 International cricket after a long gap of seven months, a factor that has intensified discussions around team selection and strategies. With the focus firmly on fine-tuning the squad ahead of upcoming ICC events, the playing XI has become a central talking point among selectors, experts, and fans alike.
Vice-captain Shubman Gill’s return to the squad is expected to reshape the batting order significantly. Gill is likely to partner Abhishek Sharma at the top of the innings, a pairing that combines experience with youthful flair. Their opening stand will be crucial in setting the momentum against strong opponents.
Adding to the tactical adjustments, Jitesh Sharma has been chosen over Sanju Samson as the first-choice wicketkeeper. Known for his aggressive batting in the middle and lower order, Jitesh could slot in at No. 6 or 7 depending on match conditions and team strategy. His inclusion offers India added firepower during the death overs, an area where the team has sought consistency in recent years. With the stage set in Dubai, Indian cricket fans are eager for the return of high-voltage action and to see how the Men in Blue adapt after their extended break.
