For the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, Team India is set to abandon its long-standing tradition of traveling together as a squad. Instead, players will fly individually from their home bases to Dubai, with all members scheduled to arrive by the evening of September 4. The move reflects a growing trend toward logistical efficiency and workload management, aligning India with practices already common in English cricket.
The decision marks a sharp shift from past campaigns, where the team typically assembled in Mumbai or another hub before departing as a group. Officials clarified that the earlier system was outdated and unnecessarily time-consuming. Given Dubai’s global connectivity and proximity, players can now head directly from their respective cities, cutting down on redundant travel.
India’s first training session is locked in for September 5 at the ICC Academy, giving the team just a handful of days to adjust before the tournament begins. Their campaign opener is scheduled against the UAE, followed closely by the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan. Coaches and support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, are expected to oversee the practice sessions and ensure players settle in smoothly after staggered arrivals.
From a player perspective, the change is significant. With cricketers juggling international duties, domestic commitments, and franchise leagues, every hour of rest counts. Flying separately allows them to save travel time, spend additional hours with family, and still report fit and focused. For senior pros like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, this adjustment eases the grind of pre-tournament logistics. For younger players such as Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, it ensures less disruption and a fresher mindset heading into their first major Asia Cup.
Critics may point out that the loss of a collective team journey could dilute camaraderie. Traveling together often fosters bonding and creates momentum before a major tournament. However, supporters of the move argue that modern cricket demands efficiency, not nostalgia. Team spirit can be built during training and match preparation, while cutting out excess travel helps preserve players’ energy levels for when it truly matters—on the field.
This approach also highlights how India is adopting a more flexible, professional model of squad management. In an era when cricket calendars are bursting at the seams, national boards are increasingly seeking ways to reduce burnout. India’s decision to fly players separately is less about breaking tradition and more about adapting to the realities of elite sport.
The Asia Cup presents India with a vital opportunity to test combinations before the T20 World Cup. With Shubman Gill likely to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson in contention for the No. 3 spot, every bit of preparation counts. Ensuring players arrive fresh and ready could provide the marginal gains needed in tight contests.
Ultimately, the new travel plan is a statement of intent. India is prioritizing efficiency, recovery, and preparation over ritual. By September 4, the squad will be in Dubai, not as a collective flight but as a focused unit ready to chase Asia Cup glory.
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