The Asia Cup 2025 formally kicked off on Tuesday, September 9, with "Dark Horses" Afghanistan taking on minnows Oman in the curtain raiser at Abu Dhabi.
A day later, India will begin their title defence against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. India, on paper, are leaps and bounds ahead of not just UAE, but most of the participating teams.
The Men in Blue's performance in the white-ball format has been impeccable since 2024, having won the T20 World Cup in West Indies, followed by winning the Champions Trophy.
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In between, they have won multiple T20 bilateral series, including a thumping win over England earlier this year on home soil.
As India look to defend their Asia Cup title, former player Mohammad Kaif has named the best possible starting XI, as per him.
India have selected a strong squad, led by experienced campaigner Suryakumar Yadav, who is one of the prolific batters in the world in the shortest format.
India's Test captain and Gujarat Titans star Shubman Gill has also returned to the T20 side for the Asia Cup and has been named as the vice-captain. The only bit in India's team selection that sparked some debate was Shreyas and Yashasvi Jaiswal's absence from the team.
READ: UAE vs India Asia Cup 2025 | Prediction, Lineups, Odds & Live Score
Mohammad Kaif picks his India XI for Asia Cup 2025
Kaif named Abhishek Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill as the team's openers, while Sanju Samson was picked for the No.3 batting slot. Kaif overlooked MI star Tilak Varma and KKR power hitter Rinku Singh, as he went ahead with Samson at the top of the order and all-rounder Shivam Dube for the finishing role.
MORE: All you need to know about the Asia Cup 2025
Two other all-rounders in the team are Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, while Jaspreet Bumrah will spearhead the fast bowling alongside Arshdeep Singh. Both Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav have been picked in the lineup, as Kaif went ahead with a spinner-heavy team on the slow soil of UAE.
Mohammaed Kaif's India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vc), Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.