Rinku Singh to be benched for Asia Cup!! Gautam Gambhir's special drill seals the deal for..

The Indian national cricket team had its practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai as it fine-tuned preparations for the Asia Cup, set to begin on September 9 in the UAE. Some intense battles filled with banter took place, with vice-captain Shubman Gill going head-to-head against pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

The Indian team had its first full practice together since the 2-2 drawn Test series against England last month. Key Indian players, including Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma, took part in extended batting drills to fine-tune their preparation.

Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma Compete for India’s XI in Asia Cup 2025

According to ESPNcricinfo, Shubman Gill teased Jasprit Bumrah for “stiff legs” during India’s practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai, as the pacer sprinted, dived, and cut off angles across the nets. Bumrah waved Gill away while continuing his intense drills.

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Sanju Samson observed from a distance after a 30-minute batting stint in the sweltering 38-degree heat, having completed multiple net sessions alongside other batters.

His practice overlapped with Jitesh Sharma, who also went through a full wicketkeeping workout. The drills highlighted the ongoing competition between Samson and Jitesh for the lone wicketkeeper spot in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025.

Shivam Dube's training dampens Rinku Singh's chances

The report added that captain Suryakumar Yadav batted alongside Shubman Gill as he sought to regain his rhythm following sports hernia surgery.

Earlier, Jitesh Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma completed intensive batting drills, while Abhishek also bowled a mix of traditional left-arm spin, wrist spin, and backspinners.

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah bowled at full intensity, with Pandya delivering 20 minutes of high-paced spells. Bowling coach Morne Morkel monitored Shivam Dube closely, focusing on his run-up and action.

Other fast bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, concentrated on mobility and fitness drills, having recently played in the Duleep Trophy.

Rinku Singh has scored 546 runs in 33 T20I matches at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 161.07, with a top score of 69*. Dube has amassed 531 runs in 35 games at an average of 31.24 and a strike rate of 140.11, with a highest score of 63*.

India to Kick Off 2025 Asia Cup Campaign Against UAE on September 10 in Dubai

India will begin their 2025 Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai. They will face archrivals Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue and conclude the group stage with a match against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Sanju Samson, who impressed as an opening batter after the 2024 T20 World Cup with three rapid centuries, is facing competition for a spot in the middle order, as the top and finishing positions are largely occupied.

Explosive opener Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, now vice-captain of India’s T20I side, are expected to open the innings.

Gill serves as India’s Test captain and ODI deputy to Rohit Sharma. With Samson favoring the top order and Jitesh Sharma known as a finisher, selectors face a “good headache” in deciding the final playing XI.

Also read: Sanju Samson ditches Rajasthan Royals despite Rahul Dravid sacrifice; new captain hunt begins