Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
India have begun preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup and head coach Gautam Gambhir has shared inspiring messages with the players before they step on to the field to defend their title.
The Indian team held their first practice session on Friday at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India or BCCI released a video of the practice session on their website on Saturday. All-rounder Shivam Dube focused on the coach’s messages there.
“The coach has said that there will always be an opportunity whenever you play for the country. The opportunities must be utilised. Practice properly and become a better cricketer,” shared Dube.
This was team Indian team’s first practice session since ending the two-match Test series in England with a 2-2 draw. Several senior players including vice-captain Shubman Gill, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav had taken about a month’s rest ahead of the Asia Cup.
Bumrah has not played in the T20 format since the T20 World Cup final last June. The 31-year-old fast bowler is eagerly waiting his chance to represent India in the upcoming tournament.
“It feels really good. I’ve joined the T20 side after a long time. The past three weeks of resting were great. I spent a bit of time at home. I’m eagerly waiting for an exciting time ahead,” said Bumrah.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will start their Asia Cup campaign on Sept 10 with the match against the UAE in Dubai. They won the last edition of the Asia Cup in 2023, defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final, although that was in the ODI format.