The buzz of the Asia Cup 2025 is already sky high. The tournament kicked off on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, with Afghanistan beating Hong Kong in the first game.
All eyes, however, are on Team India, who enter as defending champions and also the current T20 World Cup winners.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
As the excitement builds, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a bold claim. He believes that it will be nothing short of a shock if India do not lift the trophy again. Let's take a look at what he had to say.
Ashwin ahead of Asia Cup opener - "I'll watch in amazement if someone dethrones India"
The legendary off-spinner said that he would be “watching in amazement” if some team manages to topple India in the competition.
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: "India start as massive favourites. It will be a shocker if anything other than an Indian victory happens. Yet, despite being an ardent Indian cricket fan, I'll watch in amazement if someone dethrones India in the tournament."
He added that no other side in Asia currently looks close to India’s strength. Sri Lanka may come second in terms of balance and Afghanistan continue to improve. He placed Pakistan at the bottom of the contention list.
READ: Asia Cup 2025: Format, teams and groups explained
"Pakistan are at the bottom of the contention list in the competition. We can say Sri Lanka are the second-best team in Asia, with Afghanistan breathing down their neck," he added.
India are in unstoppable form in T20 cricket. Since their World Cup triumph in 2024, the Men in Blue have not slowed down. They have gone on to win five consecutive bilateral T20I series.
When does India start their Asia Cup 2025 campaign?
The 17th edition of the tournament will be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28, featuring eight nations.
Alongside the heavyweights like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, teams such as Oman, Hong Kong, and the UAE will also get the chance to test themselves against Asia’s best.
India have been drawn in Group A with Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE. Their opening game will be played against the UAE in Dubai on September 10.
MORE: Asia Cup 2025 format: Explaining group stage and Super Four format for Asia Cup T20 tournament
All matches, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash, will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
With their recent success, depth in the squad and match-winning players in every department, the Indian squad looks strong. Now, the question remains- can anyone really dethrone India in this Asia Cup?