'Whenever you play for your country ...': Gautam Gambhir's message for Team India ahead of Asia Cup 2025 as prep begins in Dubai

NEW DELHI: India began their Asia Cup 2025 title defense preparations with an intense first practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday, where head coach Gautam Gambhir's message of seizing every opportunity set the tone for the campaign.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The session marked the squad's first collective training since the England Test series, which ended in a 2-2 draw last month. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Jitesh Sharma, and Shivam Dube were among those who took part in extended batting and fielding drills.With no preparatory camp held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, the management decided to arrive early in Dubai for acclimatisation. The BCCI later on Saturday shared a behind-the-scenes video from the session, capturing both hard work and camaraderie.All-rounder Shivam Dube revealed Gambhir's rallying words to the squad: “Bahut mazaa aaya kyunki yeh team ka atmosphere amazing hai. Aaj aate hi wapas aisa laga ki - we are back. There is always one thing which the coach has said to every player - 'whenever you play for your country, you get an opportunity to do something new'. Usme achcha utilise kiya hai, training kiya hai, better cricketer banne ka try kiya.”Shubman Gill, who led India in England, stressed the excitement of rejoining the white-ball unit: “Very excited obviously. I think it's a great group. And the way we have been playing the T20 these days is nothing short of entertaining and terrific cricket. So, very excited to join the group.”Captain Suryakumar Yadav added his perspective: “To have such a brilliant bunch around with unbelievable skill sets. I always have a smile on my face when I see those boys on the ground. Because the way they put their body on the line that's what I want from them. And they just enjoy on the ground.”India will open their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10, followed by the marquee clash with Pakistan on September 14 and a group-stage tie against Oman on September 19. The playoffs begin on September 20.