India Primed for Asia Cup 2025 Opener Against UAE Underdogs

As of September 10, 2025, India is set to face off against the United Arab Emirates in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. The toss for this highly anticipated clash will take place at 7:30 PM IST.

India's preparations for the Asia Cup have been centered around building a team of multi-dimensional players. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of batting depth up to number eight, giving all-rounders a vital role in the squad. However, the final XI selection still hinges on a key decision - whether to go with a third spinner or add a specialist pacer.

The return of Shubman Gill to the opening slot has sparked a debate, as it has pushed Sanju Samson out of the playing XI. Gill's inclusion reshuffles the top order, with Tilak Varma likely to bat at number three. The left-hander has been in excellent form and recently climbed to number two in the ICC T20I batter rankings. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will slot in at number four, forming a dependable core before the all-rounders take over.

While UAE are considered underdogs, the match provides an ideal platform for India to fine-tune their combinations. Facing associate teams can be deceptive, but it allows the team management to experiment with roles without the pressure of facing a top-tier opponent. For the UAE, this is a rare opportunity to showcase their talent against the cricketing superstars of India.