Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has highlighted that the bowling attack will continue to be a struggle in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 season.
The tournament will be played in the UAE from September 9-28 as per reports and all the major Asian teams will be playing. As per the released schedule, India and Pakistan will face off each other in September 14.
Team India are currently playing the Test series against England and will have a month-long break in August before they dive into the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra tried to predict India’s possible squad for the tournament.
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Don't See Him Playing T20I Cricket - Aakash Chopra On Mohammed Shami
Judging from the recent form of the bowlers and their injury-prone history, Chopra felt that Mohammed Shami won't be part of India’s Asia Cup squad. He said that Shami played the Champions Trophy to test his fitness and won't be playing T20I cricket anytime soon, given he is still rehabilitating from his ankle and knee injuries.
"I can almost guarantee that Mohammad Shami won't be there in that because Shami was only being played to test his fitness and prepare him for the Champions Trophy. Now that bus has sailed, and if he is not part of Tests, I don't see him playing T20 cricket at this point in time," Chopra said.
He further said that Jasprit Bumrah’s availability will depend on his fitness. He has played three Test matches so far and is expected to play the fourth at The Oval with the series on the line for India.
"Bumrah, once again, availability will be a question. However, if he is available, because if he doesn't play the fifth Test as well, then he should be playing the Asia Cup, is what I am thinking. It will be interesting to see what sort of team is picked, but it cannot be too dissimilar to the one that was picked last time," he further added.
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Asia Cup To Be Played From September 9 To 28 In UAE
Meanwhile, the BCCI has finally agreed to play the Asia Cup and also attended the meeting online led by PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi. The final schedule was released on Saturday, July 26. India and Pakistan are expected to clash thrice in the tournament.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Continental Cup set to be played in UAE between September 9 to 28
