NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team has begun preparations for the Asia Cup 2025, with players reaching Dubai from their respective locations, rather than assembling in Mumbai as has been customary. Keeping the T20 World Cup 2026 in mind, the Asia Cup will also be played in the T20 format.

India will step onto the field with the intention of defending their Asia Cup title, while also entering the T20 World Cup 2026 as the reigning champions.

Kuldeep Yadav Makes Bold Prediction

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav, in an exclusive conversation with Sports Yaari upon reaching Dubai, made a bold prediction regarding both upcoming tournaments. He confidently stated that India would win the titles in both tournaments. Kuldeep said, "We will win both the Asia Cup and the World Cup."

The Asia Cup will be staged in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, with eight teams split into two groups. Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

India will open their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, before locking horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in a much-anticipated clash on September 14 at the same venue. Their final group-stage fixture is set for September 19 in Abu Dhabi, where they will face Oman.

The tournament will be played in the T20I format and will serve as key preparation for the teams ahead of next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The Indian team made history by winning the 2023 Asia Cup under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. In the final, India defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to claim the title.

Additionally, under Rohit's leadership, India also won the ICC T20 World Cup last year for the first time since 2007. This is why the Indian team will enter the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the defending champions in both tournaments.