India gear up to face the UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener on Wednesday, against hosts United Arab Emirates in Dubai. Suryakumar Yadav’s men have been hard at work in training as they prepare for a tournament that will also feature a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14. While the build-up has been intense, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lightened the mood with one of his trademark witty predictions. Looking at India’s star-studded squad, Akhtar wondered aloud who could possibly be left out of the playing XI.
He read a list of names, from Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson to Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube, joking that the real challenge for India was not the opposition but deciding whom to bench. Turning his focus to the UAE, Akhtar said the hosts should treat a narrow defeat as a victory. “India are going to win, that is certain. But if the UAE lose by a small margin, they can call it a win. You have to at least show some fight,” he remarked on the outside edge YouTube channel, adding that teams like Hong Kong missed that chance when they collapsed to Afghanistan earlier in the week. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, meanwhile, made it clear that his team will play with intensity. Asked about his approach, he said aggression is part of the game and something his side will carry into the tournament. “Without aggression, you cannot play this sport. We are ready to take the field on the front foot,” he said confidently. India face the UAE on Wednesday, but all roads are already leading to the blockbuster showdown with Pakistan a few days later.
