The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 continues its thrilling opening week with India kicking off their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium. As the second game of the tournament, this contest brings together a cricketing powerhouse and an ambitious underdog on one of the most iconic T20 stages in the world.
A New Chapter for Indian Cricket
For India, this game represents more than just the beginning of another Asia Cup campaign. It marks a generational shift in leadership and squad dynamics. With stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent from the squad, the baton of leadership has officially passed on to the flamboyant Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill serving as his deputy.
India’s approach to the Asia Cup is clearly future-focused. With the T20 World Cup 2026 just around the corner, the tournament is being used as a stage to groom young talents, test squad depth, and solidify core combinations. The squad features a potent mix of attacking batters, versatile all-rounders, and a balanced bowling attack that could prove lethal in UAE conditions.
India’s Squad Overview: Youth, Flair, and Depth
India’s playing XI is expected to revolve around an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket. Here’s a breakdown of key players to watch:
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): The No.1 ranked T20I batter, known for his 360-degree strokeplay.
- Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain): Anchors the innings and paces well during powerplay and middle overs.
- Abhishek Sharma & Tilak Varma: Young left-handers who bring attacking flair and the ability to handle spin.
- Hardik Pandya & Shivam Dube: Powerful seam-bowling all-rounders capable of changing games with the bat.
- Jitesh Sharma & Sanju Samson: Competing for the keeper’s spot; both are big hitters in the lower-middle order.
- Axar Patel & Kuldeep Yadav: Spin twins who can control the middle overs and exploit slow pitches.
- Jasprit Bumrah & Arshdeep Singh: A lethal combination of pace, swing, and death-over mastery.
- Varun Chakaravarthy & Harshit Rana: X-factor bowlers who could surprise with variations.
UAE’s Steep Climb and Home Advantage
For the United Arab Emirates, this contest is an opportunity to prove their mettle against one of cricket’s giants. Led by the experienced Muhammad Waseem, the UAE squad combines seasoned players with exciting young prospects. Playing in familiar conditions, the home side will hope to use crowd support and pitch familiarity to their advantage.
Key players for UAE include:
- Muhammad Waseem (C): An aggressive top-order batter with the responsibility of giving his side a fast start.
- Asif Khan & Alishan Sharafu: Dependable middle-order batters who can stabilize and accelerate.
- Junaid Siddique & Muhammad Jawadullah: Two of the more experienced bowlers who’ll shoulder the new-ball responsibilities.
- Ethan D’Souza & Aryansh Sharma: Promising youngsters from the domestic circuit expected to step up.
IND vs UAE: Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM IST | 6:30 PM Local | 2:30 PM GMT
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
- Matches Played: 1
- India Wins: 1
- UAE Wins: 0
- No Results: 0
Pitch & Weather Report: Dubai International Stadium
Dubai’s surface is traditionally known to assist batting, especially in the first innings. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Pitch Behavior:
- Even bounce early on, which aids stroke-making.
- Slows down in the second innings, aiding spinners and cutters.
- Large square boundaries make big-hitting a challenge unless well timed.
- Weather Conditions:
- Clear skies expected
- Dew factor significant post-sunset, making bowling second tougher
- Ideal Strategy:
- Win the toss and field first
- Utilize powerplay overs with seamers
- Introduce spin during overs 7–15 to choke runs
Predicted Playing XIs
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
UAE: Muhammad Waseem (C), Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra, Junaid Siddique, Ethan D’Souza, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Saghir Khan
Tactical Matchups to Watch
- Suryakumar Yadav vs Muhammad Jawadullah: SKY’s innovation against Jawadullah’s left-arm pace will be a contest of flair vs discipline.
- Bumrah vs Waseem: The swing and pace of Bumrah could be key to dismantling UAE’s top order early.
- Kuldeep & Axar vs UAE middle order: As the pitch slows, India’s spin duo can control proceedings.
Match Scenarios and Predictions
Case 1: UAE wins the toss and bats first
- UAE Powerplay Score: 30–40
- UAE Final Score: 130–135
- India Chase: Likely to chase down with 3–4 overs to spare
Case 2: India wins the toss and bats first
- India Powerplay Score: 55–60
- India Final Score: 200–210
- UAE Chase: Unlikely to keep up with required run rate beyond 10 overs
Predicted Result: India to win comfortably, irrespective of toss. Margin likely to be 6–8 wickets or 40–50 runs.
What’s at Stake
For India, this is a confidence-building match — a chance to gel as a new unit and showcase bench strength. For the UAE, it’s a golden opportunity to show they belong on the big stage and can compete with top-tier teams.
With both teams eyeing different objectives — India for the title and UAE for respect and visibility — expect an engaging contest that could still offer fireworks from unexpected corners.
Stay tuned for live action, post-match analysis, and full tournament coverage as Asia Cup 2025 gathers steam in the desert heat.
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