India kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a convincing victory over Oman and are now preparing for the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan. The high-voltage encounter is scheduled for Sunday (14th September) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Asia Cup 2025: After a dominant performance in their opening game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Indian players have been working hard in the nets ahead of the Pakistan showdown. While the first match didn’t offer much resistance, facing their arch-rivals is expected to be a far sterner test.
With the big game looming, both the players and the support staff have intensified preparations. Along with routine fitness drills, including the Bronco test, fielding coach T. Dilip has reportedly introduced an innovative training exercise, according to The Times of India.
Asia Cup 2025: The new drill is designed to sharpen India’s fielding, specifically their ability to cut off gaps. Similar to a goalkeeper’s training session, it involves a goalpost-sized safety net set up away from the batting nets, challenging players to improve their reflexes and ground coverage.
Asia Cup 2025: Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill Impress in New Fielding Drill
Team India introduced a fresh fielding drill where players had to defend their goals using a new ball, which moves faster than an older one. The exercise involved taking two sets of five catches, with players also rotating guards, similar to batting.
Asia Cup 2025: Hardik Pandya stole the spotlight in the session. After dropping one catch, he immediately redeemed himself with a stunning grab, followed by another brilliant effort that left Shivam Dube visibly impressed as he watched his teammate’s quick reflexes.
Asia Cup 2025: Vice-captain Shubman Gill followed suit, showcasing his sharp fielding skills. Reports highlighted that Gill pulled off four full-length diving catches — two to his left and two to his right — prompting fielding coach T. Dilip to exclaim, “You are making it a habit.”
With the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan ahead, India will look to carry this sharpness and energy into what promises to be a high-intensity contest between the arch-rivals.
