Big trouble is brewing for India just before their Asia Cup 2025 campaign. The India National Cricket Team is currently gearing up to face the UAE in their tournament opener on September 10, and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has already been irked by the pitch curator.
The unpredictable pitch prepared by Dubai’s pitch curator has left the Indian players and coaches confused. With no clarity on what the pitch will be like, India’s preparations are in shambles.
Gautam Gambhir furious as unpredictable pitch throws India’s plans off track
It is being said that the Indian cricket team hasn’t been allowed to train at the Dubai International Stadium—the venue for their Asia Cup 2025 matches—forcing them to practice at the nearby ICC Academy under sweltering heat even on Monday, September 8.
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After their two-hour nets session on Monday at the ICC Academy in Dubai, the Men in Blue finally got a chance to step into the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and experience the conditions firsthand.
They had a fielding session on Monday, trying to get familiar with the outfield, the pitch, and even the stadium’s famous “ring-of-fire” floodlights.
Morne Morkel suggests the Dubai pitch may offer movement
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel was reportedly heard saying that the Dubai pitch “had a greenish tinge” after having a look at the track, hinting at movement for the bowlers, but no one really knows what it will throw up. With so much uncertainty, India is scrambling to explore all combinations to be ready for their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Morne Morkel has emphasized the importance of all-rounders working on both batting and bowling, saying the players are encouraged to focus on every aspect of their game and stay professional. The team wants everyone to be ready to step up when conditions suit them.
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Morkel was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, “I’m always pushing for all-rounders to work hard on both skills. Sometimes guys can get a little bit naughty and practice or focus just on one skill. But here, in this environment, we want to leave no stone unturned.”
Morne Morkel hints at Shivam Dube’s selection for the UAE game
The Indian bowling coach also hinted that Shivam Dube is highly likely to play as an all-rounder against the UAE. He added, “On the day, we’re going to need somebody to do the work for us, and conditions might favor him [Shivam Dube] more than somebody else. So, for us, it’s about being professional. It’s about taking that responsibility of putting quality work in there.”
Morkel further noted that developing versatile players, including part-timers, gives the team flexibility in selecting combinations and strengthens overall strategy.
He signed off by saying, “The more guys that can give the captain options, the better. That is obviously a great position to have. Yes, we will have our frontline guys that we can attack [with]. But if we can keep on developing guys, part-time guys to do a job, it gives us so many more options in terms of combinations for selection.”
