When will team India leave for UAE for Asia Cup 2025?

India has announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates starting September 9. The tournament will be India’s first major assignment ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 and will serve as a testing ground for conditions and team combinations. The squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has seen some notable changes compared to the previous T20I series, including the return of Shubman Gill, who has been named as SKY’s deputy.

The Asia Cup is expected to be an important tournament for India, not only because of the historic rivalries involved but also because it allows the players to adapt to the subcontinental conditions similar to those they will face in the World Cup. The team will aim to fine-tune their strategies, assess form, and build momentum, bringing back the title home once again as champions.

India set to travel to the UAE

The Indian team is scheduled to travel to the UAE in the first week of September, ahead of the tournament opener. The move will allow players time to adjust to ground conditions, climate, and practice intensively before the matches begin. This preparation phase is being seen as crucial by the team management as it provides an opportunity to analyze playing surfaces and make adjustments accordingly before finalizing the playing XI for the opener match.

The squad selected for the Asia Cup is a blend of experience and youth. Alongside skipper Suryakumar Yadav, senior players such as Hardik Pandya and Pacer Jasprit Bumrah. While the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the squad seems like a long-term vision for the Indian side, the team is well-balanced with experienced, young talents, and in-form players. 

India’s campaign will begin on September 9, where the team will face off with the UAE, and then will face arch-rivals Pakistan in the most anticipated match of the Asia Cup 2025. The squad’s depth in batting and bowling is likely to be tested as the tournament progresses. Following the Asia Cup, India will continue its busy schedule with tours to Australia and Home series against South Africa and New Zealand before the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup 2025 thus marks the start of the packed calendar for the team, but the focus right now is on getting the basics right and making the most of the time in the UAE.