Is Suryakumar Yadav’s India Ready for the Asia Cup 2025, or Are They ‘Undercooked’?

As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, defending champions India are favored to retain their title, having won the tournament a record eight times. However, concerns loom over whether the team is adequately prepared, given their lack of recent T20I matches. With only a handful of players having participated in T20 competitions leading up to the tournament, questions arise about India’s readiness to face formidable opponents like Pakistan and Afghanistan, who have been more active in the format.

India’s Recent T20I Performance

India’s last T20I outing was in February against England, where they convincingly won the five-match series 4-1. Since then, most players have been engaged in other formats, with limited exposure to T20 cricket. Only five members of the current 15-man squad—Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana—have played T20 matches recently. Samson has been active in the Kerala Cricket League, while Rinku has participated in the UPT20, and Rana has played in the Delhi Premier League. In contrast, the majority of the squad will be returning to T20 after a significant hiatus, raising concerns about their match fitness.

Meanwhile, India’s rivals, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, hosts UAE, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, have been engaged in T20I series during this period. This has provided them with crucial match practice and familiarity with the format, potentially giving them an edge over India in the Asia Cup.

Expert Opinions on India’s Readiness

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed confidence in India’s preparations despite the lack of recent T20 matches. He believes that the team is well-equipped to handle the challenges posed by their opponents. Pathan emphasized that India should be particularly cautious of Afghanistan, whose spinners could exploit the slower pitches in the UAE. He noted that while Pakistan is still in a phase of regrouping, India has a robust support system in place, thanks to the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Pathan highlighted that the NCA allows contracted players to train, undergo fitness tests, and participate in match simulations, ensuring they remain in touch with the game. He reassured fans that even if India appears slightly undercooked initially, their preparation will shine through as the tournament progresses.

Shubman Gill’s New Role

Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain for the T20I side has sparked discussions about his potential impact on the team. Irfan Pathan believes that this elevation will benefit the Indian squad significantly. Gill, who recently showcased his batting prowess in England, is expected to bring his aggressive style to the T20 format. Pathan noted that Gill’s selection as vice-captain reflects the confidence that captain Suryakumar Yadav has in him, which could foster leadership growth within the team.

Pathan expressed optimism about Gill’s ability to adapt to the aggressive playing style that the Indian team aims to adopt. He believes that Gill will seize this opportunity to prove himself and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success in the Asia Cup.

Rohit Sharma’s Future in ODIs

Irfan Pathan also shared insights regarding Rohit Sharma’s aspirations to continue playing One Day Internationals (ODIs). Although Rohit has retired from T20Is and Tests, he remains eager to contribute to the ODI format for as long as possible. Pathan mentioned that while Rohit is motivated, the challenge lies in securing enough game time, especially as he navigates the new fitness requirements.

Pathan acknowledged that the same applies to other senior players like Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, who have also stepped back from T20 and Test formats. The focus now shifts to how these experienced players can maintain their performance levels while adapting to the evolving dynamics of international cricket.

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