India Strong Contenders for Asia Cup Title, Says Sourav Ganguly

TDT | Manama

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Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has tipped India as clear favourites to win the upcoming T20 Asia Cup, which will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Speaking to Indian media, Ganguly highlighted India’s formidable white-ball record and depth in talent. “India are currently on a break. After the IPL, they played five Test matches and now they’ll head into the Asia Cup. They’re a very strong side — already dominant in red-ball cricket, and even more formidable in white-ball formats. On the good wickets in Dubai, beating India will be very difficult,” he said.

The 2025 Asia Cup will feature eight teams. Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. India, the official host for this edition, will open their campaign against UAE on September 10, followed by fixtures against Pakistan and Oman. The tournament begins on September 9 with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong, and the final will take place on September 28.

Addressing speculation that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could play their final ODI matches during India’s October series in Australia, Ganguly said he had no knowledge of such plans. “Performance is what matters most. If they’re playing well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is outstanding, and so is Rohit’s. Both have been phenomenal in white-ball cricket,” he remarked.

India’s three-match ODI series in Australia begins on October 19, followed by a home series against South Africa in December. The 2026 schedule includes fixtures against New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, the West Indies, and another series with New Zealand.

Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 internationals after India’s T20 World Cup victory in June 2024 and stepped away from Test cricket in May 2025.

Ganguly also praised Shubman Gill’s leadership after the 25-year-old led India to a dramatic win over England at The Oval, leveling the Test series 2–2. “He’s India’s Test captain now, and his future looks very bright,” Ganguly said.