[WATCH]- Jitesh Sharma Trains Intensively Behind The Stumps In Dubai Ahead Of 2025 Asia Cup

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was seen taking part in rigorous wicketkeeping drills with fielding coach T. Dilip ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. The multi-nation tournament begins on September 9, and the Men in Blue reached Dubai on Thursday, September 4, in phases.

The defending champions conducted their first practice session on Friday, September 5, during which Jitesh focused on a specialised keeping workout. In one clip, Sanju Samson could be spotted nearby, attentively watching Jitesh’s movements.

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Suryakumar Yadav’s team has been drawn into Group A with hosts UAE, Pakistan, and Oman. India will open their campaign against UAE on Wednesday, September 10, and face Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, with both matches in Dubai. Their final group-stage encounter against Oman is set for Friday, September 19, in Abu Dhabi.

“A Close Call”: Irfan Pathan Weighs Jitesh Sharma vs Sanju Samson For India’s 2025 Asia Cup XI

The question of India’s wicketkeeper-batter for the 2025 Asia Cup—Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma—has sparked ongoing debate. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan addressed the issue in a video on his YouTube channel (@officialIrfanpathan) on Saturday, September 6, stating:

“The talking point about Sanju Samson is important because it’s not like the guy wasn’t performing. It’s also not like Jitesh Sharma, who came into the team, didn’t perform. He has performed solidly. He has batted brilliantly for RCB. But I am looking at whether Sanju Samson can bat at number five. Because Axar Patel does the floater’s job. But one, two, three, four are set. Tilak Verma, in my opinion, has performed very well. He should get a place at number three, in my opinion.”

“Suryakumar Yadav at four because he has played at three and four. At four, his average is better. His strike rate is almost the same as a number-three batting average. But if Sanju Samson, because you want to reward his recent performance, can he bat well at five, as he also plays spin well. It’s not like Sanju Samson can’t, but we have to see who is playing better in the nets on old balls, Jitesh or Sanju Samson. I would still like to push Sanju Samson to play, but this will remain a marginal call,” he added.

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