As India gears up to begin their 2025 Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on Wednesday, Shubman Gill is set to make his return to T20I cricket after more than a year. Gill, who last played in the T20 format during the 2024 tour of Sri Lanka, was named vice-captain for the tournament, solidifying his place in the playing XI. However, on the eve of the opening match in Dubai, Gill faced a rare setback during practice.

Shubman Gill’s Rare Blemish

During the optional training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai, Gill appeared in excellent touch, effortlessly caressing quick deliveries over extra cover with his signature grace. But, in a rare moment of concern, a local net bowler stunned Gill with a thunderous delivery that snuck past his defenses and knocked over his off-stump. It was an unexpected blemish in what was otherwise a smooth and promising batting session.

Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Training Session

Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, a potential opening partner for Gill, stole the show during his training session. Abhishek put on a display of sheer power, clobbering between 25 and 30 sixes in just an hour. His remarkable hand-eye coordination allowed him to launch balls into orbit, many landing far outside the practice ground. His explosive hitting sent a clear message to India’s Asia Cup opponents, showcasing his impressive range-hitting ability without relying on pure muscle.

Sanju Samson’s Role in the Squad

With Gill’s return to the squad, many speculated that Sanju Samson would miss out on the playing XI, especially after his performances in the Kerala Cricket League where he batted at No. 6. However, in the latest practice sessions, it became clear that head coach Gautam Gambhir favors other options for the middle-order role. On Monday, Samson did not get a chance to bat during the main session and was seen working alone on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma, with his relaxed approach and confident strides, looked set to take on the responsibility of the finisher and wicketkeeper in the lineup.

Samson Skips Training

On Wednesday, Samson, along with senior players Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and fast bowler Harshit Rana, skipped the training session. As fielding coach T. Dilip worked with the team, Jitesh Sharma honed his ‘no-look’ catching drills, a challenge that requires the wicketkeeper to catch balls instinctively without watching their trajectory, relying purely on reaction time.

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