Abhishek Nayar believes India are the team to beat in the Asia Cup 2025. The former India assistant coach backed the Men in Blue as the strongest contenders for the title following their emphatic opening win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On Wednesday, September 10, India dismantled UAE by nine wickets to begin their campaign on a high. Asia Cup 2025, Opting to bowl first, Suryakumar Yadav’s side bundled out UAE for just 57 runs. Apart from the openers, every UAE batter fell for single digits.
Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling charge with a brilliant four-wicket haul, while Shivam Dube picked up three. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket each. Chasing the modest target, India cruised home in just 4.3 overs, sealing their biggest-ever win in terms of balls remaining.
Asia Cup 2025 “India’s Tournament to Lose”: Abhishek Nayar
Abhishek Nayar, who is also on the commentary panel for the Asia Cup 2025, believes India are the outright favorites to lift the trophy. Speaking to Sony Sports, he called India the strongest side in the competition.
“I won’t call them contenders, because they are already champions. With the kind of squad they have and the way they are playing this format, it’s India’s tournament to lose. If they don’t win, something has clearly gone wrong,” Nayar said.
Asia Cup 2025: He further emphasized India’s depth, particularly in the bowling department. “The strength of our squad and the way our spinners bowled in the last game gives me confidence. If you are bowling well, winning championships becomes easier. That’s why I say it’s India’s tournament to lose,” he added.
India, who won their opening game and sit atop Group A with two points, will next face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan begin their campaign against Oman on September 12 in Dubai.
