Gavaskar Shastri back Surya led India ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Photo:PTI

Cricket fans across the world are turning their eyes to the UAE as the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 is set to begin on Tuesday. India will enter the tournament under a new leader — Suryakumar Yadav, who has been chosen to captain the side in this important event. Legendary cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have come forward to show strong support for the team and its captain, believing that India has the right mix of young energy and experienced players to shine on the big stage.

Gavaskar praises Surya’s leadership

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar described Suryakumar Yadav as a bold and creative leader who can guide India into a new era of cricket. He highlighted Surya’s special batting style, filled with innovative strokes, and said his ability to inspire teammates is just as important as his runs with the bat.

According to Gavaskar, this Asia Cup is more than just a competition; it is an opportunity for India to showcase its future. He explained that the squad is made up of both seasoned professionals and young rising stars, which makes it stronger and more flexible. Gavaskar believes India’s dominance in T20 cricket could begin from this very tournament.

Shastri backs the team’s balance

Ravi Shastri, India’s former head coach and World Cup-winning all-rounder, echoed Gavaskar’s words. He said the Indian squad is perfectly balanced, mixing the sharpness of youth with the steady presence of senior players.

He pointed out that vice-captain Shubman Gill is growing into a fine leader, while proven performers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Abhishek Sharma will provide strength in key moments. Shastri also mentioned that youngsters like Tilak Varma and Harshit Rana bring freshness and spark to the group.

For Shastri, the Asia Cup is not just about winning matches; it’s a test that will measure the team’s courage, unity, and ability to handle pressure. He expressed confidence that under Suryakumar’s calm but aggressive captaincy, India can set new standards in world cricket.

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India’s road to the Asia Cup

India enters the Asia Cup after a strong 4-1 home T20 series win against England earlier this year. That performance boosted the team’s confidence and gave the selectors more clarity about their best playing combinations.

The tournament will feature eight nations: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong. All eyes will be on the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash, with the possibility of the two rivals meeting up to three times if both progress deep into the tournament.

India’s campaign will begin against the host nation UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the high-voltage match against Pakistan on September 14, and then Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. The stakes are high as every team also wants to fine-tune its preparations for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Why this Asia Cup matters

The Asia Cup has always been more than just another cricket tournament. It is where the continent’s best teams fight for glory and where future stars are born. For India, it is a chance to defend its cricketing reputation and, at the same time, begin building a new identity with fresh faces leading the charge.

With Surya at the helm, India is not just relying on past glory but is trying to shape the future. His fearless batting style, combined with his calm leadership, reflects the team’s new spirit. Fans in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the cricket world are eager to see how this journey unfolds.

As the excitement builds, one thing is certain: this Asia Cup will not only give us unforgettable cricketing moments but also reveal how ready India is to claim the next chapter of its dominance in T20 cricket.