The Men in Blue are all set to return to the field as they take on their Asian rivals in the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup 2025. The tournament which will be played in T20 format, is scheduled to be held from
September 9 to 28 in the UAE. India, who lifted the 2023 edition, coming as the defending champions.
On the eve of the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel shared insights on team’s preparation for the continental tournament. Morkel during his address also hinted on a bigger role for all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has been an integral part of the white-ball setup in the Indian colours.
Important to use Shivam as a guy who can bowl for overs: Morne Morkel
The Indian bowling coach seemed of the opinion that Shivam Dube could be the key to India’s balance as he can bowl full quota of four over if required. “For me it’s always important to use Shivam as a guy who can bowl for overs. I’m always pushing for all-rounders to work hard on both skills. Sometimes guys can get a little naught in practice and focus on one. But here we want to leave no stone unturned. On the day, conditions might favour him more than somebody else, and he needs to be ready to deliver,” Morne Morkel said.
The Indian bowling coach further added that batters who can bowl just add extra flexibility, stating, “The more guys who can give the captain an over here and there, the better. Yes, we’ll have our frontline bowlers, but those extra options give us flexibility in selection and combination.”
India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025
Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel
