Asia Cup 2025: Former India great issues warning to India ahead of final

India have booked their spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final, but their fielding has been underwhelming, with dropped catches in every game. Against Bangladesh, they put down five chances, while four were missed in the clash with Pakistan. Overall, the Men in Blue have grassed 12 opportunities across five matches of the tournament. Former India player and head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a warning to the team ahead of the September 28 final.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium’s ring of lights makes catching particularly tricky, and Shastri believes the players need more practice to overcome the challenge.

India sealed their place in the final after a 41-run win over Bangladesh in their second Super 4 match.

“Catching in Dubai is never easy because of the lights. When I was coach and we toured here, I always made sure we put in a lot of practice to reduce mistakes during games,” Shastri said on Sony Sports.

He expressed disappointment with India’s fielding effort. “You simply can’t drop this many catches. India have let 12 go already. Such lapses can’t happen in the Asia Cup final. Fielding needs to get sharper,” he emphasized.

Shastri also advised the management against experimenting with the batting order, as they did against Bangladesh when Shivam Dube was promoted to No.3—a move that triggered a collapse. Despite a blazing start from openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who added 77 runs in 6.2 overs, India managed only 168 runs. Sharma top-scored with a brilliant 75 off 37 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes.

“Don’t meddle with the batting line-up; just stick to the formula from earlier games. For the last Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka, avoid too many changes. Rest a couple of players if needed, but make sure the bowlers who will play the final get a game,” Shastri added.

India will face the winner of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh fixture in the championship match.