NEW DELHI: India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign hasn’t even started, but head coach Gautam Gambhir has already managed to set social media buzzing— not with his tactics, but with his travel gear.
During a training session in Dubai, Gambhir was spotted carrying a Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)-branded kit bag, the same franchise he captained to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 and later coached to victory in 2024. The sight of the purple-and-gold bag in India’s blue camp had fans chuckling online, with some calling it his “lucky charm.”
Outside the ICC Academy, Gambhir’s warm exchanges with fans, signing autographs and posing for selfies, added to the frenzy. His popularity as both a cricketer and coach still cuts across boundaries, making even a kit bag part of the build-up drama.
Under Gambhir’s guidance, India are defending both their Asia Cup crown and a growing reputation. Earlier this year, he oversaw India’s ICC Champions Trophy win, cementing his credentials as a coach who doesn’t just carry bags, but also silverware.
The tournament begins for India on September 10 against hosts UAE at Dubai International Stadium, followed by the blockbuster clash with Pakistan on September 14. Their last group-stage match is against Oman in Abu Dhabi.
The Asia Cup, played in T20 format this year, doubles as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. With 19 matches scheduled, including the final on September 28, Dubai will stage the lion’s share of the action.
India, the most successful team in Asia Cup history with eight titles, enter without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma but remain favourites thanks to a deep bench. Group A features India, Oman, Pakistan, and UAE, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.
During a training session in Dubai, Gambhir was spotted carrying a Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)-branded kit bag, the same franchise he captained to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 and later coached to victory in 2024. The sight of the purple-and-gold bag in India’s blue camp had fans chuckling online, with some calling it his “lucky charm.”
Outside the ICC Academy, Gambhir’s warm exchanges with fans, signing autographs and posing for selfies, added to the frenzy. His popularity as both a cricketer and coach still cuts across boundaries, making even a kit bag part of the build-up drama.
Under Gambhir’s guidance, India are defending both their Asia Cup crown and a growing reputation. Earlier this year, he oversaw India’s ICC Champions Trophy win, cementing his credentials as a coach who doesn’t just carry bags, but also silverware.
The tournament begins for India on September 10 against hosts UAE at Dubai International Stadium, followed by the blockbuster clash with Pakistan on September 14. Their last group-stage match is against Oman in Abu Dhabi.
The Asia Cup, played in T20 format this year, doubles as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. With 19 matches scheduled, including the final on September 28, Dubai will stage the lion’s share of the action.
India, the most successful team in Asia Cup history with eight titles, enter without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma but remain favourites thanks to a deep bench. Group A features India, Oman, Pakistan, and UAE, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.
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