Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar were involved in so many memorable batting partnerships in their heydays and have also been an integral part of many of the Indian team's historic on-field achievements.

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Meanwhile, Ganguly reminisced a fascinating incident pertaining to Tendulkar while he was speaking at realtors' apex body CREDAI's annual conference 'NATCON 2022'.

He revealed that Sachin was scoring runs in one of the games as if nothing untoward happened despite being hit in the ribs by a Shoaib Akhtar delivery. Former BCCI president Ganguly also mentioned that even though Tendulkar showed no signs of pain or discomfort while batting, he had a double fracture in his ribs the following morning.

"I heard a sound and I went and asked him you are okay?" - Sourav Ganguly

"Sachin was the most sane one and Sehwag was insane. So it's Sachin. He actually also made me a better player. Sachin actually got me to lift my game," said Ganguly while speaking at the event.

"Sachin. He was special and I have seen him up close. I have seen him hit in the rib cage. Did not make a noise. Got runs. The next morning he had a double fracture in his ribs," he added.

"I heard a sound and I went and asked him you are okay? He said he was fine. The next morning he had fractures. He was special," the former BCCI president further added.

Sourav Ganguly was denied a second term as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president. It happened after a vote of no-confidence was passed against him for not meeting the expected parameters while occupying the designated post.

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Ganguly was succeeded by 1983 World Cup-winning pacer Roger Binny as the board president. The event happened during the BCCI's AGM in Mumbai on October 18.

It now remains to be seen whether Ganguly will be heading back to serve the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) in some capacity or resume his career as a broadcaster. Prior to serving as the BCCI president, the 50-year-old had held the presidential post at CAB

India have been the most successful team in the history of Asia Cup, having won the continental tournament as many as eight times (seven in ODI format, one in T20I format), since the inception of tournament in 1984. Over the years, India’s supremacy has been challenged by Pakistan more than any other team in the competition.

So far, India have played against Pakistan on 19 occasions in Asia Cup since 1984, winning ten and losing six, while three matches was abandoned. Let's take a look at how the two teams fared when they clashed against each other in their bid for Asian supremacy.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup

India vs Pakistan 1984 | India Won

India won the match by defeating Pakistan in a low-scoring match at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium. Batting first, India posted a sub-par total of 188/4 in 46 overs. Chasing the target, Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals and India bundled out Pakistan for 134 to win the match by 54 runs.

India vs Pakistan 1988 | India Won

India won their second consecutive Asia Cup encounter against Pakistan by registering a four-wicket win (26 balls to spare) over their rivals. Batting first, Pakistan were restricted to just 142. During the chase, no other Indian could score in double digits but in the end, it wasn’t needed as Amarnath got them home with his magnificent innings of 74*.

India vs Pakistan 1995 | Pakistan Won

Pakistan recorded their first-ever win over India in Asia Cup at this edition of the tournament, when they outclassed their rivals by 97 runs in Sharjah. Pakistan posted a formidable total of 266/9 in their 50 overs. Chasing the target, India were dismissed for 169.

India vs Pakistan 2000 | Pakistan Won

Pakistan beat India at the 2000 edition of the tournament by 44 runs. Batting first, Pakistan posted a huge total of 295/7 in 50 overs. During the chase, the Indian top-order suffered a collapse and they were reduced to 75/4 in 14 overs. Ajay Jadeja issued a stunning fight back scoring 93 runs. But he failed to find support on the other end and India succumbed to a heavy defeat.

India vs Pakistan 2004 | Pakistan Won

In 2004, for the first time in their history, Pakistan touched the 300-run mark against India in Asia Cup. Chasing the target, India’s chase all but ended and they eventually fell short of the target by 59 runs.

India vs Pakistan 2008 (Group Stage) | India Won

Pakistan posted 299/4 in 50 overs in the group stage match in 2008. Chasing the stiff target, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina stitched together a 198-run partnership. Yuvraj Singh (48) and MS Dhoni (26*) provided finishing touches to the chase as India reached home with six wickets to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2008 (Super Fours) | Pakistan Won

After losing in the group stage, Pakistan got their revenge by winning the match against India in the super fours. Batting first, India posted a total of 308/7 in 50 overs. The hosts got off to a good start in the chase as Pakistan crossed the finish line with eight wickets and 27 balls to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2010 | India Won

Batting first, Pakistan posted a fighting total of 267. Chasing the target, opener Gautam Gambhir held the innings from one end as his partners kept on changing on the other. Finally, he was joined at the crease by skipper Dhoni and the duo took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers and India won the match by 3 wickets with one ball to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2012 | India Won

Pakistan once again crossed the 300-run mark (329/6) against India in Asia Cup at this edition of the tournament in Dhaka. Chasing the stiff target, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni got the team over the line but it was the brilliance of Kohli that India managed to chased down such a big score with 13 balls to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2014 | Pakistan Won

Even after three batsmen scored fifties, India could muster only 245/8 in their 50 overs against Pakistan at Dhaka in the 2014. Hafeez completed a remarkable all-round show for Pakistan during the chase, as he perfectly anchored the innings by hitting 75 off 117 deliveries. In the end, Shahid Afridi slammed 34 off 18 deliveries, including two consecutive sixes off R Ashwin in the final over to take Pakistan home by just one wicket.

India vs Pakistan 2016 | India Won

This particular edition of the cup was converted into T20 format owing to the WT20, that was scheduled right after the completion of Asia Cup. On the swinging conditions of Dhaka, Indian bowlers wreaked havoc and dismissed Pakistan for just 83. Chasing the small target, Virat Kohli once again showed his class, taking the attack to Pakistan bowlers. In the end, MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh took India comfortably home from there with 27 balls to spare.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India vs Pakistan 2018 | India Won

It was a superlative effort from the bowling unit of India that saw them shot out Pakistan for a paltry 162 in 43.1 overs before Rohit Sharma (52 off 39 balls) and Shikhat Dhawan (46 off 54 balls) added 86 for the opening wicket to ensure a smooth chase for the ‘Men In Blue’ in only 29 overs.

India vs Pakistan 2018 | India Won

There was no change in the outcome of the match when these two met again a few days later in another group match. India once again registered a dominating victory over Pakistan. India restricted Pakistan to below-par 237 for 7. In reply, India chased down the total in 39.3 overs with 9 wickets to spare.

India vs Pakistan 2022 | India Won

In the 2022 Asia Cup, Pakistan couldn’t defend 21 runs off 12 balls against their arch-rivals in the group stage match.

India vs Pakistan 2022 | Pakistan Won

However, they bounced back to win the Super Four clash between the two sides by 5 wickets on the second-last ball.

India vs Pakistan 2023 | India Won

India beat Pakistan comprehensively by 228 runs during their Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match. Virat Kohli (122) and KL Rahul (111) struck unbeaten centuries to steer India to a commanding 356 for two, the team's joint highest total against Pakistan in ODIs. In response, Pakistan were all out for 128 in 32 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the stand out bowler for India as he ended with a five wicket haul.

Title favourites India will begin their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 T20 cricket tournament against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday.

During this time, Team India will try to establish adequate balance in the team through the all-rounder. However, India are yet to decide whether to field a third spinner or a specialist pacer in the encounter. This decision directly affects their opening Asia Cup game against hosts UAE.

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs UAE clash in the Asia Cup 2025.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Match Details

• Match: India vs UAE 
• Tournament: Asia Cup 2025, 2nd Match Group A
• Date: 10 September 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Streaming Details

The India vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025 match 2 will be televised live on the Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5 channels. For Hindi commentary, fans can watch the match on Sony Sports 3; Sony Sports 4 will provide Tamil and Telugu commentary.

The match will be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app and website in India.

India vs UAE: Head-to-head stats

Interestingly, India and the UAE have clashed only once before in T20I. That encounter came during the 2016 Asia Cup, where India cruised to victory by nine wickets.

Since then, UAE has quietly grown into a competitive side. After the last T20 World Cup, they have played 27 T20 internationals, winning 20 of them, a remarkable record for an emerging cricket nation. What makes this even more significant is that most of their victories have come in multi-nation tournaments.

Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

The Dubai International Stadium has traditionally offered a fair balance between bat and ball. Both pacers and spinners find opportunities here, with spinners often turning the tide in the middle overs.

Weather Report

Fans need not worry about weather interruptions. The forecast for September 10 suggests clear skies with no chance of rain. However, conditions will be hot, with temperatures likely to touch 35°C and humidity hovering around 65%, which could test the players’ endurance.

Possible Lineups

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan Sagheer Khan, Akif Raja, Ethan D’Souza.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India vs UAE Match Prediction

India enters the contest as overwhelming favorites, but the UAE cannot be taken lightly. Their recent consistency in multi-nation tournaments highlights their potential to spring surprises. For India, this match offers an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations ahead of tougher challenges in the tournament.

With crowd support expected to be strong for both sides, fans can anticipate an electric atmosphere at the Dubai International Stadium. All eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, India’s new-look batting order, and whether UAE can rise to the occasion on home soil.

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a sensational double-wicket maiden over in Qualifier 2 of the UPT20 League 2025, reminding fans of his golden days with the new ball. With this, he surpassed Piyush Chawla in the list of most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers. Despite not being in India’s recent plans, Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to prove his effectiveness in domestic and franchise leagues, with his control, accuracy, and ability to strike early making him a valuable asset for any team.

Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets

We will give the list of Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets. 

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 317 T20 Wickets

A test legend in his own rights, Ravichandran Ashwin had started his career with the T20s. It was Chennai Super Kings who had found the spark in him which helped him gain the exposure to evantually get selected for India and flourish as an all-format bowler. The off-spinner from Tamil Nadu has played 333 T20 games so far in his career and took 317 wickets at an astonishing economoy rate of 7.11. 

In IPL, he has played for teams like CSK, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants and Delhi Capitals along with playing for the Indian team and Tamil Nadu in his career. In his 221 IPL games, he has taken 187 wickets at 7.20 runs per over. For India, in T20Is, Ashwin has the off-spinner took 72 wickets in only 65 games. 

3. Piyush Chawla | 319 T20 Wickets

The leg spinner has been playing T20s since 2007 and has played a total 297 T20 matches so far in his career. In his career, he has taken 319 T20 wickets with an economy rate of 7.53. However, he only played 7 T20 internationals for India and took only 4 wickets for the country.

In the Indian Premier League, he has featured in 192 games for Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians. Chawla has been one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament with 192 wickets with an economy rate of 7.96 runs per over.

Moreover, he has played for overseas teams like Sussex in Vitality Blast Tournament in England. 

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 327 T20 wickets

The 35-year-old medium pacer has been one of the highest wicket-takers for India in T20I cricket. In T20 internationals for India, Bhuvnewshwar Kumar has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20I matches at an outstanding economy rate of 6.96, including two five-wicket hauls. 

In Indian Premier League, while playing for Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Buvi has taken 198 wickets in 190 matches at an excellent economy rate of 7.69 runs per over. In total, Bhuvneshwar so far has taken 327 wickets in T20 cricket in 309 matches at 7.36 runs per over.

He stands as the second highest wicket-taker among Indians in T20 cricket and is the only Indian fast bowler to take more than 300 wickets in shortest format of the game.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 380 T20 Wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal is perhaps the most Indian successful bowlers in the shortest format of the game. The leg-spinner from Haryana started his career with IPL teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore and made a name for yourself to get into the Indian team.

Chahal spent eight seasons with Royal Challengers Bangalore and with 139 wickets, is still their highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League history. However, RCB decided not to retain him in the 2022 mega auction, and Chahal headed to Rajasthan Royals. 

In IPL 2025 Mega acution, he became the most expensive spinner in the tournament's history as Punjab Kings bought him for INR 18 cr. Till now, in IPL, Chahal has taken 221 wickets, and is the most successful bowler in the tournament's history. For India, he has played 80 T20I games and once was the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is with 96 wickets.

N Srinivasan, the former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has made a comeback in sports administration as the chairman of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

80-year-old Srinivasan was appointed the president of the franchise in the CSK board meeting a few weeks ago. Although he will play an advisory role, his presence will strengthen the strategic direction of the team.

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Srinivasan will serve as an advisory role

At this age, N Srinivasan will not be able to travel much. That is why his role will mainly be that of an advisor. The team's CEO Kasi Viswanthan clarified that CSK will remain in constant touch with him and will seek his guidance in important decisions. His strategic thinking and administrative skills will help set a new direction for the team.

"See, it's a great boon for CSK and he's been the best administrator for us and I'm very happy that he's come back into CSK. He'll be in an advisory role only because he doesn't travel much, but we'll be in contact with him.

"Both of us are in Chennai only. So he's in day-to-day contact with us," said Viswanathan.

Will also oversee global leagues

Chennai Super Kings is not limited to IPL only. It also has stakes in South Africa's SA20 League and America's Major Cricket League (MLC). N Srinivasan will oversee CSK's properties in both these leagues.

The CEO said Srinivasan will be in charge of all global properties and his guidance will further strengthen the international identity of the franchise. "He will be in charge everything (all CSK properties)" said the CEO.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI invites bids seeking new lead sponsorship for Team India after Dream11 exit

CSK is already one of the most successful and popular franchises in the IPL. MS Dhoni's captaincy and stable administration have made it a brand.

Now Srinivasan's return will not only give the team strategic strength but will also strengthen the image of the franchise at the global level. His deep understanding and long experience in cricket administration is expected to make CSK's future even brighter.

Indian team's opening batsman Rohit Sharma is very eager to return to international cricket. For this, he is working hard on the field. Last week, he passed the Yo-Yo test at the BCCI Center of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. 

During this time, apart from him, Shubman Gill and many other players had given this test. After this test, Rohit Sharma's Bronco Test was also to be done, but this test did not take place. Team India's strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux has come up with the Bronco test. However, this test has not started yet.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI invites bids seeking new lead sponsorship for Team India after Dream11 exit

Rohit did not undergo a Bronco Test

According to reports, on August 31, many players including Rohit Sharma underwent Yo-Yo test. Rohit has passed it. He proved his fitness. During this time he was supposed to undergo a Bronco test, but this test has not been implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yet. Therefore, Rohit did not have to give this test.

According to reports, this test can be held in Dubai before the Asia Cup. Team India will leave for Dubai on the morning of September 4 and will hold its first session at the ICC Academy on September 5.

So if BCCI wants to conduct a Bronco test, it can be in Dubai. However, it is not confirmed yet. That is why Rohit Sharma did not undergo a Bronco test.

"It could happen when the squad assembles in Dubai for the Asia Cup. The team will start leaving late tonight (early morning of September 4) and have their first session at the ICC Academy on September 5. So if the management and the S&C want to do a Bronco assessment, it could happen in Dubai, if it happens at all," BCCI's Center of Excellence said.

Rohit Sharma may return on Australia tour

Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20I and Test cricket, has been away from international cricket for a long time. He last played the final match of the Champions Trophy on 9 March.

In this match, Team India defeated New Zealand and won the Champions Trophy title. Since then, Rohit and Virat Kohli are away from international cricket. These two players may return to the three-match ODI series to be held in Australia next month. For this, both these players are sweating it out on the field.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma had expressed his desire to play in the ODI series against Australia A which is coming on a tour to India.

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What is Bronco Test?

Bronco Test is primarily used in rugby where an individual has to complete a sequence of shuttle runs. From time to time, the BCCI makes changes to the set of tests used to measure players' fitness.

While fitness tests are done for all BCCI-contracted players, India's former Strength & Conditioning coach Soham Desai revealed that those tests didn't always form a selection criterion. It isn't yet known if the Bronco Test will become a selection criterion.