The India-Pakistan tensions have had no impact on the bonhomie within the UAE cricket team, which is a mix of expatriates from the two countries, insisted skipper Muhammad Waseem.
As the continental tournament kicks off on September 9 in Dubai, India will look to lean on this mix of proven winners and new leaders while keeping uncompromising fitness standards at the heart of their preparations.
Such has been the problem of plenty for selectors in the T20 format that they are finding it difficult to even accommodate Yashasvi Jaiswal -- a proven performer in T20 cricket.
'Engaging with Pakistan at this stage sends out a message that undermines the sentiments of the people of India who stand firmly against any compromise on national security.'
When the Indian team entered the ICC Cricket Academy Arena for their evening net session ahead of the Asia Cup, Samson was the first to start his solo keeping drills with fielding coach T Dilip, even as others were just about lumbering up.
It's a special century for MI man Suryakumar Yadav.
Samson reminded everyone of his class with a 54 off 36 balls in a high-voltage friendly at Greenfield Stadium, guiding the KCA Secretary XI to a nail-biting win ahead of the Kerala Cricket League.
Sanju Samson not batting enough at number five and six doesn't mean he can't do the job there, said India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Friday while expressing confidence in the Kerala dasher's ability ahead of the Asia Cup clash against Pakistan.
IMAGES from the Indian Premier League Qualifier 2 match played between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad, on Sunday.
'Though I would like to see him in the playing XI, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open the batting for the team.'
Former India pacer Atul Wassan said pulling out of the Asia Cup match against Pakistan could hurt India's aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Suryakumar Yadav and wife Devisha Shetty took time away from the cricketing frenzy to seek divine blessings.
Kuldeep slips to third in ODI rankings, Maharaj regains top spot
Emotions often get the better of his side when facing arch-rivals India, a flaw former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif believes has cost them crucial matches in recent years.
'When we started, our primary job was to get a job; cricket was secondary for us.'
The severe backlash that the Indian cricket team faced before its Asia Cup clash against Pakistan was a major contributing factor to the 'No Handshake Policy.
Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain for India's upcoming T20I series against Australia.
'I want to ask Agarkar how Iyer is not among the reserve players if he is such a strong contender.'
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's batting woes in ODIs, saying he needs clarity of mind and should find his own way of rotating the strike in the middle overs.
Although Shubman Gill's return to the T20 side has cast a shadow over Sanju Samson's place in the playing XI for the Asia Cup in the UAE, the hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter will be counting on head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has often spoken highly of his positive attitude.
The team management now has a tricky call on hand while deciding whether to keep Samson in the playing XI finding a slot for him in top three or play Jitesh Sharma
Suryakumar Yadav bore the blunt, as he was struck on the helmet by the slower bouncer from the 29-year-old Gujarat Titans fast bowler.
India will kickstart their campaign on September 10 against the UAE. Media reports suggest that Gill could make his return to the T20I team, possibly as vice-captain.
While Suryakumar went about his business with his unique style, Rohit put his raw power on exhibition and effortlessly muscled the ball past the boundary ropes.
Suryakumar Yadav etched his name in the record books, becoming only the fifth Indian batter to surpass 8,000 runs in T20 cricket with a scintillating display in the Indian Premier League.
With no success beyond opening, where does India fit Samson in batting order?
Shreyas merits Asia Cup spot based on IPL performance, reckons Aakash Chopra.
'Iron body with heart of a Lion. Mohammed Siraj.'
'As much as we may want, unka number itni aasani se nahi aayega (It's not going to be easy for Rahul)'
'I (had) never read a book in my life and I started doing that as well. Getting up in the morning, spending a good quality time at the rehab centre and focusing on everything, connecting myself, my brain and my body with the rehab and it helped me really well to recover a little faster.'
Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets as a rampaging Mumbai Indians demolished Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs.
Amidst strong speculation of him wanting to snap the ties with Rajasthan Royals, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said his long association with the IPL franchise has transformed his life and career.
Undergoing a lean patch, Suryakumar Yadav was seen toiling in the nets ahead of Mumbai Indians' match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
'Jaiswal has an avg of 36 & a strike rate of 164 in T20Is and he got dropped for Gill who has avg of 30 and a strike rate of 139.' 'There is no place for merit anymore.'
Ms Zinta was, however, not her usual bubbly self as she watched her bowlers being taken to the cleaners by MI's Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir.
Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah returned to India's T20 squad for next month's Asia Cup, but IPL star performers Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal missed out.
'In so far as bilateral sports events in each other's country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India.'
Josh Inglis and Priyansh Arya slammed half-centuries as Punjab Kings humbled Mumbai Indians by seven wickets.
The 32-year-old swashbuckling batter smashed an unbeaten 51-ball 112 against Sri Lanka in the third T20 International on Saturday to pave the way for India's 91-run victory and a 2-1 series verdict.
Suryakumar felt that he had been practising mindlessly e and getting frustrated, but after shifting to"quality" training he became more consistent.
