The stage is set for the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup and the defending champions India will be looking to get their hands on the title for the ninth time. India are the most successful side in the history of the Asia Cup and will be favourites to win the title this time coming as reigning champions of the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue led by Suryakumar Yadav will kickstart their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a match against UAE at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10.
After that, India will take on Pakistan in Dubai on September 14 followed by their final group stage match against Oman at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19. Although India are being considered as the strongest side in their group for Asia Cup 2025, they still cannot take their opponents lightly. India’s toughest competition will be against Pakistan while they are expected to dominate against associate nations like UAE and Oman. However, there are also some star players from both sides who can trouble India.
Let’s have a look at the 3 Associate players who can trouble India in Asia Cup 2025
Asif Khan (UAE)
Star UAE batter Asif Khan can be a player to watch out for in a match against India in Asia Cup 2025. Asif was born in Pakistan and has represented Pakistan U-19 team. However, he later joined the UAE Cricket team making his international debut in 2022. He is also looking in great touch in the ongoing tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also smashed 77(35) runs in the last game against Pakistan while chasing 208 runs. He can turn out to be a headache for the Indian bowlers in the middle overs and Suryakumar Yadav will be looking to find a strategy to get him early.
Junaid Siddique (UAE)
Junaid Siddique is a fast bowler from UAE and has been a constant wicket-taker for his team in the T20Is. He has taken 99 wickets from 72 matches in his T20I career so far at an average of 20.66 and an economy rate of 7.61. The Indian top-order will be looking to play him carefully in the first few overs of the innings.
Jatinder Singh (Oman)
Oman captain Jatinder Singh has been in great form in recent times and can turn out to be a player to look out for in a clash against India in Asia Cup 2025. The opening batter will be looking take on the Indian bowlers in the Asia Cup 2025 clash. The Indian team will be looking to find a plan to get rid of him early.
