The last white-ball encounter for the Indian team was the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which was also played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Rohit Sharma-led side blew away New Zealand in the final to earn the title. Since then, there has been a six-month break from white-ball cricket for the national side.

The Blue Brigade turned their attention to the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before facing England in a five-match Test series in the United Kingdom. Now, the focus will shift to white-ball cricket through the 2025 season of the Asia Cup as they prepare their best for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

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“Hello, white-ball cricket!! It’s been a while since we felt your thrill. We are back, recharged and roaring to go. We have been hunted here before; we have been champions here before. But the ninth time (in this tournament) won’t come easily. We are ready to defend our Asian Supremacy.” The BCCI shared the message on their special video.

Watch: BCCI shares special video on return to white-ball cricket

India will begin their campaign under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir on September 10 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before facing Pakistan four days later in the most-anticipated clash of the tournament. Their last group-stage clash will be against Oman in Abu Dhabi.  

Before we take on the World again, let's conquer Asia 💪

India's campaign starts today and we are absolutely ready to defend our crown 🏆#TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/LfvfwzdjeM

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 10, 2025

It was a long time off, but I am back. Before we take on the world, let’s conquer Asia first.” Suryakumar addressed in that video while their number three batter, Tilak Verma, revealed, “Not taking any opponent lightly.” Looking at how things have panned out and the power of the opposition, India must progress into the final and finish with a potential title.

In their playing eleven, the speculation will be around the selection of Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper, with the vice-captain of the side, Shubman Gill, expected to open the batting with Abhishek Sharma, as they also have two veteran and premier pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.