Pakistan officially surrenders before Indian team ahead of Asia Cup 2025 clash

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar shared his thoughts on India’s squad ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, September 10. Akhtar stated that India have all their bases covered and added that selecting the playing XI would be a tough challenge.

After a month-long break, the Indian national cricket team will return to action during the Asia Cup 2025. India enters as the favorite to clinch the tournament. The Men in Blue are in Group A with the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman. They will aim to continue their dominance and secure another title in the continental tournament.

Yeh Kis Ko Baahar Bithaayenge? - Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, and Umar Gul were full of praise for India’s squad ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE. On a television show, the panel agreed that the Men in Blue looked strong for the tournament.

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Akhtar noted that the team was packed with match-winners. The cricketer-turned-commentator admitted that it would be difficult for Gambhir's team management to decide who to leave out of the playing XI.

"Achha, Abhishek bhi aa gaya? Bumrah bhi hai? Sanju Samson bhi hai, finally. Tilak bhi. Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh bhi hai, Shubman hai, Surya hai, Shivam Dube, apna Axar Patel. Yaar, yeh kis ko baahar bithaayenge? (Who do they leave out?)," Akhtar said.

Losing By a Small Margin Would Be a Win - Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar said that the best outcome for the UAE would be to avoid a heavy defeat. Misbah-ul-Haq mentioned that the UAE had some batting depth after their tri-series performance, but Akhtar dismissed the chances of an upset.

He added that even a narrow loss would count as a moral victory for the UAE. Akhtar further stated that teams should at least fight hard enough to keep matches competitive.

"See, we know they are going to lose. I just feel that losing by a small margin would be a win for the UAE. This is my complaint against Hong Kong, which lost by 94 runs to Afghanistan last evening. You had to lose, at least lose close. So that you get something. Show some fight."

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill Likely to Open for India in Asia Cup 2025

The Men in Blue are set to field a new opening combination in the Asia Cup 2025, with Abhishek Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill expected to start at the top of the order.

Abhishek has established himself as a regular T20I opener. The left-hander has scored 535 runs in 17 matches at an average of 33.43 and an impressive strike rate of 193.84, including two centuries and two fifties.

Gill, who returns to the T20I side, brings experience and stability. The right-hander has scored 578 runs in 21 T20Is at an average of 30.42 and a strike rate of 139.27, including a century and three half-centuries.

The Gill-Abhishek pair is expected to set the tone for India’s campaign. Gill’s composed stroke play with Abhishek’s explosive hitting put early pressure on the opposition attacks.

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