Former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal has tipped India as favourites to retain the Asia Cup title while stressing on Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion. The left-arm wrist spinner, according to him, adds valuable experience and variety to the attack.
India, who have won the Asia Cup a record eight times, will begin their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE in Dubai. The side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is grouped with Pakistan and Oman. Lal also highlighted Afghanistan’s rising stature in T20 cricket and rated them as strong challengers. He further named Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as teams capable of making deep runs in the competition.
“India is a strong favourite due to their skilled team. The unpredictability of the T20 format and the performances of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan-especially Afghanistan, who are currently playing well-make for an exciting tournament. Afghanistan could challenge Pakistan, whose current form and confidence levels are uncertain. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are all strong contenders,” Lal was quoted as saying by India Today.
Madan Lal then suggested that India should include Kuldeep Yadav in their Asia Cup squad, highlighting the spinner’s ability to trouble batters with his rare skills. He believes Kuldeep’s variations could prove decisive in T20 cricket, particularly in subcontinent conditions where spin often plays a key role.
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“Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the team due to his unique bowling style, which is difficult to counter in T20 cricket. The final decision will, of course, depend on wicket conditions and team combination. Ideally, two spinners and three pace bowlers should be included in Dubai,” he added.
The Asia Cup begins on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the tournament opener.
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Last Updated on September 3, 2025
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