India started the Asia Cup 2025 with a record-breaking victory over UAE, winning by 9 wickets in just 27 balls. While the dominant performance boosted the morale of both Team India and its fans, former coach Abhishek Nair has expressed concerns about its impact on preparation for the high-stakes match against Pakistan on 14 September.

Nair’s perspective on preparation

Speaking as an expert on Sony Sports, Abhishek Nair explained that a more challenging match against UAE could have provided better preparation for India-Pakistan conditions. “For good practice, we would like to understand the conditions better. However, Suryakumar Yadav and Gambhir were focused on finishing the match quickly. I believe a little challenge would have been good because proper preparation often happens only under difficult conditions,” Nair said.

Expectations for Team India

Despite his concerns, Nair emphasized that India remains a strong favorite to win the Asia Cup. “Team India has gone to Dubai as champions, not contenders. With the way the spinners and bowlers are performing, it is difficult for India to lose this tournament. If India does not win, then something has definitely gone wrong,” he added.

Looking ahead

With the India-Pakistan clash approaching, the focus will shift to whether Team India can translate its strong form into a high-pressure contest. While the easy victory over UAE may not have tested them fully, India’s depth and experience make them favorites in this iconic rivalry.