Shivam Dube discloses Gautam Gambhir’s motivational message to Team India ahead of Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
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Gautam Gambhir’s Bold Message Sets Tone for India’s Asia Cup 2025 Campaign
The eight-team Asia Cup 2025 is about to begin, and India will play its first match on September 10 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Indian contingent arrived in Dubai on Thursday, and the team hit the ground running on Friday with its first training session. India are placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Oman and the UAE. Ahead of the tournament, head coach Gautam Gambhir dgave a clear message to every member of the squad, showing he means business.
All-rounder Shivam Dube, who is part of the 15-member squad, revealed that Gautam Gambhir told his players they have an opportunity to do something “new” for the country, and they should accept the challenge and take the bull by its horns.
India’s first training session on Friday was attended by every player, with stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill putting in the hard yards.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team, with Gill serving as his deputy. It remains to be seen whether Sanju Samson gets a chance in the playing XI, as Gill is most likely to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma. “There is always one thing that the coach has always said to every player. Whenever you play for the country, you have the opportunity to do something new,” Dube said in a video posted by the official handle of BCCI.
‘Very excited’
India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill sounded excited to be back in the T20I fold, after having missed international matches since July 2024 as he prioritised Tests and ODIs.
It must be mentioned that Gill was the vice-captain for the T20I series against Sri Lanka in July 2024, and he has now been reinstated in that role, opening the door for him to become the captain in the shortest format going forward.
Jasprit Bumrah will also play his first T20I since the World Cup last year, which India won by defeating South Africa in Barbados. The pacer said it feels great to be back in a setup buzzing with young talent.
“It feels very good. I have joined the T20I team after a long time. This three-week window was good, got some time home. Some young people and young energy are in this team. So exciting times ahead,” said Bumrah.