India’s final Group A fixture of the Asia Cup 2025 will see them locking horns with Oman. After Shubman Gill shared the field with his childhood friend Simranjeet Singh in the tournament opener, another heartwarming reunion awaits cricket fans...

This time, it is Kuldeep Yadav who will face his old companion Vinayak Shukla, making the contest even more special. The encounter is not just about competition but also about memories, as two friends who grew up together will now be on opposite sides of the pitch at an international event.

Vinayak expressed his excitement ahead of the game, admitting that playing against Kuldeep is a proud moment. He also mentioned looking forward to sharing the ground with Rinku Singh. With such personal connections woven into the fixture, the India vs Oman clash promises to be more than just a group-stage battle — it will carry an emotional edge for the players involved.

See Also: India vs Pakistan toss: match referee got BCCI’s instruction just 4 minutes before, here’s what happened

Kuldeep Yadav to Face His Old Friend:

Vinayak Shukla knows the challenges of rising through India’s cricketing ranks, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, one of the most competitive regions. After stepping away from Indian cricket in 2021, he finally earned his international debut for Oman in 2024, marking a significant turning point in his career.

Vinayak reflected on his decision to move from Indian cricket to Oman, where he balances his professional career as a data operator alongside representing the national cricket team.

He said, “ It was a very difficult decision. I left Indian cricket in November 2021 and moved to Oman to pursue my dreams. I work as a Data Operator at National Metal Cans. Back in Kanpur, I started playing at local clubs like the PAC Cricket Ground, and then moved around different cities. But the problem was, I just wasn't getting the opportunity to represent the state.”

He further said, “ In Bengal, I played against several international players like Ashok Dinda and Manoj Tiwari - they really guided me, especially with wicketkeeping. I also met Dinesh Karthik during Kolkata Knight Riders sessions in Kolkata.”

He added, “ Many Ranji Trophy players like Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Azharuddeen (from Kerala) have played against us. Earlier in Uttar Pradesh, I trained with Upendra Yadav and Shivam Mavi, and later in Bengal with players like Ranjot Singh Khera and Karan Lal.”

The Cricketing Inspiration of Vinayak Shukla:

Vinayak, a wicketkeeper-batter, considers MS Dhoni his inspiration, much like many aspiring cricketers. He also shared that he has played alongside Kuldeep Yadav several times, the spinner who has been India’s standout performer in the Asia Cup so far.

He said, “ I spoke to some seniors, and then went to one of my coaches, Prakash Palande sir. He gave me an opportunity to go to Muscat. He told me I'd have to stay there for around two years, and if I performed well, I could get a chance to represent the country after about three years. As a wicketkeeper-batsman [batter], my inspiration has always been Mahendra Singh Dhoni - the way he finishes games and leads the team is unmatched. He is my guru. I never met him but want to meet him.”

He further said, “ I've played with Kuldeep Yadav back in India, so I hope we'll meet soon. It's a great opportunity for me and my team to play against sides like Pakistan and India. We grew up watching these players on TV all the time. I'm pretty nervous, but excited as well.”

He added, “ I remember playing matches with Kuldeep bhai in Kanpur. He was with Rovers Club and I played for PSE. We had many friendly games together. Once he bowled to me and I hit him for four, and he said, 'Oh, pretty good shot!' There are some fond memories, and I'll always cherish those.”

Although the India vs Oman clash brings personal reunions, Vinayak is equally thrilled about testing himself and his team against some of the best cricketers globally, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to measure their progress on the big stage.

He concluded, “ Playing against India is going to be very special. I was playing in India once, and now I'm playing for Oman - I can't ask for more. Facing players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep and Shubman Gill is huge - for the Oman national cricket team as well as for me. I'm especially looking forward to meeting Kuldeep personally.”