India returned to international cricket after a month-long break following their tour of England, as they faced UAE in their first match of Asia Cup 2025.
During the Group A clash in Dubai, Kuldeep Yadav's 4/7, followed by Abhishek Sharma's exploits with the bat, helped India clinch a 9-wicket win ahead of the Pakistan encounter on Sunday.
This is the first Asia Cup since the 2008 edition, where neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma is with the Indian team, and the Indian fans at the venue made sure that their absence is felt with heartfelt gestures.
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Indian fans hold heartfelt banner in Dubai during Asia Cup 2025
The star duo of Kohli and Rohit had announced their T20I retirement after India clinched the T20 World Cup in 2024 and Suryakumar Yadav was handed over the captaincy of the team.
The last time Kohli missed an Asia Cup was in 2018, when his workload was being managed after a long tour of England.
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As the fans missed the duo, banners made by the supporters at the Dubai International Stadium read, “We miss you,” alongside their pictures pasted.
Indian fans missing Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli in Asia Cup. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/z7AAQholpe
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 10, 2025
Having played their last international match in the final of ICC Champions Trophy in March, Kohli and Rohit are expected to return to the squad for India's tour of Australia to play 3 ODIs.
Ahead of the ODI series down under, they could also be seen featuring in three unofficial ODIs against Australia A, later in September and early October.
India A vs Australia A unofficial ODI schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st unofficial ODI | September 30 | Kanpur |
| 2nd unofficial ODI | October 03 | Kanpur |
| 3rd unofficial ODI | October 05 | Kanpur |