skywritg.com – Today’s Pulse & News Briefings

The India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four match ignited with drama as Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill aggressively targeted Shaheen Afridi. Abhishek started with a six and some words, while Gill later punctuated a boundary with a pointed gesture. Their aggressive approach set the tone for India's chase of Pakistan's 171/5, signaling a tough night for Pakistan's key bowler.

During the India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four clash in Dubai, tensions flared when Abhishek Sharma and Haris Rauf engaged in a heated exchange, prompting umpire intervention. This followed earlier verbal volleys between Indian openers and Pakistani bowlers, highlighting India's fearless approach in chasing Pakistan's total. The charged atmosphere and aggressive play underscored the intense rivalry, captivating the Dubai crowd.

Hardik Pandya's unfortunate dismissal via a freak run-out against Oman in the Asia Cup 2025 stunned India. A deflection off bowler Jiten Ramanandi's hand sent the ball crashing into the stumps, catching Pandya short. This crucial wicket disrupted India's momentum, giving Oman a significant advantage in the match after they already secured two quick wickets.

Ravichandran Ashwin lauded India's dominant Asia Cup victory over Pakistan, emphasizing the significant gap in skill and experience between the two sides. He highlighted India's superior technical prowess and strategic execution, particularly praising the impact of IPL-honed players like Abhishek Sharma. Ashwin suggested that future contests between India and Sri Lanka might prove more competitive.

India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan was marred by controversy as Pakistan's coach, Mike Hesson, expressed disappointment over India's refusal to shake hands post-match. Despite Suryakumar Yadav's match-winning performance and dedication of the win to armed forces, the absence of the customary handshake and an anthem mix-up added fuel to the rivalry.

During India's Asia Cup practice in Dubai, Shubman Gill was hit on the hand, causing immediate concern as he left the field in pain. After medical attention and ice treatment, Gill returned to the nets, batting comfortably against both pace and spin. He concluded the session positively, even socializing before heading back to the dressing room.

India initiated their 2025 Men's Asia Cup campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over the UAE, fueled by Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting. Chasing a modest target, India completed the chase in a record-breaking 4.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional four-wicket haul and Shivam Dube's three wickets restricted UAE to a mere 57.

Sanju Samson has secured his place in India's playing XI for their Asia Cup clash in Dubai, despite speculation surrounding Shubman Gill's return and Tilak Varma's presence. India has strategically bolstered their batting lineup by including Shivam Dube and surprisingly excluding Arshdeep Singh. India won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Suryakumar Yadav's India commenced their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a resounding nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. India's bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav's impressive 4 for 7, dismantled UAE for a mere 57. India chased the target swiftly in 4.3 overs, with Abhishek Sharma contributing a quick 30.

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will most likely walk out to open in India's first match in the Asia Cup on Wednesday. It won’t be the first time the duo will open — they have been doing this since their U-14 days. Beyond being opening partners, they have been childhood friends and understand each other’s game as well.

Shubman Gill's inclusion as vice-captain adds complexity to India's T20I top-order selection for the Asia Cup. While Gill's Test success highlights his leadership potential, Sanju Samson's impressive opening form, including three centuries and a high strike rate, makes him a strong contender. Ravi Shastri advocates for Samson to continue opening, emphasizing his game-changing ability at the top.

Suryakumar Yadav's playful banter with Sanju Samson during Team India's Asia Cup 2025 practice in Dubai injected humor into the camp. Samson, vying for an opening spot, received strong fan support, while the team intensely trained for the tournament. The BCCI unveiled the official jersey, emphasising the team's determination to defend their title as Asian champions.

India's Asia Cup 2025 preparations intensified in Dubai, with top-order batsmen like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav focusing on aggressive, aerial hitting during practice. Abhishek Sharma stood out with his effortless six-hitting. Bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh kept the intensity high, while coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav were seen in tactical discussions.

As India gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Suresh Raina suggests a bold opening pair. With Kohli and Sharma potentially out, Raina backs youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma to lead the charge. He also mentioned Priyansh Arya, who impressed in his debut IPL season, could be a surprise package.

Sanju Samson is set to embrace a new role in the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill's return potentially shifting Samson down the batting order. Likely to bat at number five or six, Samson demonstrated his adaptability by moving down the order in a recent Kerala Cricket League match.

The selection of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad is creating controversy. Yashasvi Jaiswal is surprisingly left out. Shubman Gill makes a comeback to the T20I team. He is also appointed as the vice-captain. Experts are questioning Jaiswal's exclusion despite his strong performance. Sai Sudharsan's omission is also raising concerns. Subramaniam Badrinath highlights potential recency bias in the selection process.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, has finally revealed the reason behind his serious demeanour. On The Kapil Sharma Show, Gambhir explained that he remains serious so others can smile, emphasising his focus and commitment to results. He also addressed his on-field confrontations, stating they are always for the country, not himself.