India’s preparations for their high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 encounter against Pakistan hit a brief scare on Saturday when vice-captain Shubman Gill was struck on the hand during a training session in Dubai.
The young opener, who has been in fine form, was hit while batting in the nets. According to eyewitness accounts, Gill immediately appeared in discomfort, prompting the team physio to step in. He was later seen sitting with an ice pack on his injured hand, while captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and fellow opener Abhishek Sharma checked on him.
For a moment, the Indian camp feared the worst. Gill is a pivotal part of the batting lineup, particularly in pressure games against Pakistan where strong starts often set the tone. Losing him, even temporarily, would have been a huge blow.
Thankfully for India, the scare didn’t last long. After some treatment and a short break, Gill returned to the nets and resumed batting, suggesting the injury wasn’t as serious as initially feared. Team officials haven’t released a formal statement yet, but signs point to him being available for Sunday’s blockbuster clash.
The timing of the incident added to the anxiety, as the India-Pakistan match is arguably the marquee fixture of the tournament, drawing worldwide attention and fierce anticipation. Any injury to a key player on the eve of such a contest naturally heightens the tension.
While Gill’s fitness appears intact, the episode underlines just how fragile tournament preparations can be. A single practice-session mishap could disrupt months of planning. For now, Indian fans will breathe easier, though the team management may monitor Gill closely until the toss.
