India launched their preparations for the Asia Cup 2025, which gets underway from September 9 in the UAE. The team held its first nets session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday and it was filled with banter and some intense battle.
Jasprit Bumrah was seen daring around at the ground, diving and sprinting, which led to a hilarious reaction from newly-elevated vice-captain Shubman Gill. "Stiff legs" - Gill was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. Bumrah responded to the joke by waving away Gill as he continued with his drills.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson engaged in a half hour long batting session with the conditions reportedly being extremely humid. Samson was among the players who had several spells in the nets and his stint came alongside Jitesh Sharma, a player he will compete against for the sole wicketkeeper spot in India's playing XI. Interestingly, reports also suggested that Samson watched as Jitesh went through the wicket-keeping workout.
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Before heading to the nets, the Indian team engaged in warm-up stretches, including shuttle runs, high knees and soft throws. As players moved to the nets, Gill effortlessly sent the ball through the covers off a half-volley. But Bumrah bit back by perfectly nipping the ball back to beat India's vice-captain. The cat-and-mouse contest between the star duo had just begun.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav batted alongside Gill, while searching for his rhythm after recovering from sports hernia surgery. Before them, Jitesh, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma came out armed with several bats.
Notably, Abhishek rolled his arm and bowled traditional left-arm spin, wrist spin and his backspinner. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel kept a close eye on Shivam Dube's run-up and action.
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Apart from Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, India rotated its fast bowlers. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana spent a considerable amount of time doing mobility and fitness drills rather than bowling.
India will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the much-debated game against arch-rival Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
-with ANI inputs
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