Dhruv Parashar Prepares UAE for Asia Cup with Passion and Skill

As the UAE transitions from the scorching heat of summer to the milder weather of autumn, 20-year-old cricketer Dhruv Parashar is putting in intense practice, preparing for one of the most important stages of his young career. With the UAE set to open its tri-series campaign against Pakistan and Afghanistan in Sharjah, the matches serve as the perfect warm-up for the country’s fourth appearance in the Asia Cup.

Parashar is part of a new generation of cricketers eager to show that UAE can compete against big cricketing nations and make their mark on the international stage.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Asia Cup: A Big Opportunity

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the Asia Cup, Parashar expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournaments. “Asia Cups and World Cups are always special for us. We get only one or two major tournaments in a year, so it’s a big opportunity for UAE to leave a mark in international cricket,” he said.

Parashar described the UAE training routine as tough but enjoyable. The team is going through multiple practice matches, extensive fitness sessions, and focused training to improve fielding. The players are working hard to ensure they are ready to face some of the world’s top cricketers.

Facing India: A Dream Come True

Parashar is especially excited about playing against India, his country of birth, in Dubai on September 10. “We have big opportunities ahead, especially playing against India and Pakistan. A lot of eyes will be on these games, and we are really excited. We hope to put on a good show,” he added.

Apart from competing, Parashar looks forward to learning from Indian players he admires, including Varun Chakaravarthy, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya. “I would love to talk to Varun Chakaravarthy because he is also a spinner. Shubman Gill is someone I look up to, and Hardik Pandya is a very impactful all-rounder. I want to learn from them,” he said.

UAE’s Growing Confidence

The UAE team’s confidence has grown after historic victories. Their first-ever T20I series win over Bangladesh at home, along with previous wins against Afghanistan, has changed their mindset from hoping to compete to expecting to win games.

“The mood in the team is really positive. Wins like the Bangladesh series boost morale and give us confidence. We are in a good place, and we hope to carry forward this momentum,” said Parashar.

Under the guidance of former India opener Lalchand Rajput, the UAE team has developed a fearless attitude. “Our coach gives us confidence before each game. No one thinks of us as a small team or underdogs. T20 cricket is eleven versus eleven on the field, and we practice like every other team. He has instilled belief in us, which is very important,” Parashar explained.

The Challenge of Bowling in the Powerplay

In the UAE team, Parashar has a challenging role as an off-spinner who bowls with the new ball, when only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This means batters often attack in the powerplay, making it a tough task for any bowler.

“I enjoy the challenge. I focus on sticking to my plans and basics, whether it’s containing runs or taking wickets. Every batter and wicket is different, so you need to adapt,” said Parashar. He has successfully taken 24 wickets in 20 T20Is so far, showing that he can handle pressure well.

Bowling in the middle overs is different from bowling in the powerplay. “In the middle overs, you can observe the wicket and batters before deciding your plan. In the powerplay, you have less time to adapt, so it’s more challenging,” he added.

Overcoming Setbacks

Parashar’s journey hasn’t been smooth. He made his T20I debut against Afghanistan in December 2023 but was dropped from the team after just two matches. Instead of being discouraged, he focused on improving his skills. He even went to England to play club cricket in Shropshire to gain more experience.

His hard work paid off. Strong performances on UAE’s A tour to Namibia earned him a place in the Emerging Teams T20 Asia Cup and Cricket World Cup League 2 games. He also picked up 12 wickets in UAE’s win at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Qatar.

“When I was out of the side, I was still young and in school, so it didn’t affect me much. I kept playing domestic cricket and stayed hungry to get back. My performances in Namibia got me back into the team,” Parashar recalled.

Learning from Coaches

Working under coach Carl Crowe at the Desert Vipers during the ILT20 seasons has helped Parashar develop as a bowler. “He understands spin bowling very well, especially in T20s. He helps me plan technically and mentally, and I can always ask him for advice,” said Parashar.

Contributing as an All-Rounder

Parashar is not only a bowler but can also bat effectively. During UAE’s chase of 206 against Bangladesh, he hit a four and a six in an important cameo, showing his ability to handle pressure situations.

“I have confidence in both batting and bowling. I’m happy to do whatever the team needs. It’s good to contribute in both ways rather than just one skill,” he explained.

UAE’s Vision for the Asia Cup

With talented players like Parashar ready to take responsibility, the UAE is no longer satisfied with just participating in tournaments. The team wants to make a mark and prove that they can challenge top cricketing nations in Asia. Over the next month, playing on home soil, UAE aims to write its own success story.

Parashar’s determination, skill, and calmness under pressure make him a key player for the UAE, representing a new generation ready to show the world that UAE cricket has grown and is capable of competing with the best.