Former India all-rounder and coach Madan Lal has confidently declared India the frontrunners for the Asia Cup 2025, while cautioning that overconfidence could open the door for challengers like Afghanistan. Lal believes India’s squad has the perfect blend of experience, youthful energy, and balance across departments to lift the trophy.
According to Lal, India’s batting depth sets them apart from the rest. With Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma likely to open, Sanju Samson staking a claim for No. 3, and proven finishers such as Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya in the middle order, India has power in every phase. Lal stressed that this flexibility allows the team to adapt to conditions and match-ups better than any of their rivals.
But his endorsement wasn’t without specifics. Lal urged the team management to prioritize spin in the XI by including Kuldeep Yadav, whom he sees as a game-changer in UAE conditions. Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist spin adds an extra dimension, especially in the middle overs, where opposition batters often look to settle. A two-spinner strategy, likely pairing Kuldeep with either Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja, alongside three seamers, is what Lal views as India’s best bet.
“Wrist-spin is the toughest to line up against in T20 cricket, and Kuldeep is at his peak,” Lal observed. His comments highlight the broader concern that India must not take team balance lightly, even with their batting firepower.
At the same time, Lal warned that Afghanistan is the team to watch. With Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi forming a potent bowling attack, they bring unpredictability and energy to every contest. Lal noted that Afghanistan’s batting has improved significantly, with players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran providing stability at the top. In his words, Afghanistan has the potential to leapfrog Pakistan as India’s biggest threat in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan, by contrast, are in a patchy phase, struggling with team combinations and form. Lal argued that while they cannot be dismissed, their current lack of cohesion leaves them vulnerable, especially against sides hungry to prove themselves. Afghanistan, in his view, is far better positioned to mount a real challenge.
For India, the message from Lal is clear: being favorites is not enough. They must back it up with smart selections, precise execution, and respect for every opponent. He emphasized that the Asia Cup is no rehearsal—it is a testing ground for the T20 World Cup later next year, and India must treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
Ultimately, Lal’s stance combines confidence with caution. India may have the best squad on paper, but cricket is about performance on the day. With the right balance and mindset, Lal believes India will justify their billing as favorites. Yet his reminder about Afghanistan stands out: underestimate them at your peril.
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