Lucky charm or superstition? Gautam Gambhir spotted with KKR bag ahead of Asia Cup 2025

NEW DELHI: With India set to kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), head coach Gautam Gambhir has already created a buzz ahead of the tournament. The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper was spotted carrying a KKR-branded kit bag during a practice session, a small gesture that instantly caught the attention of fans and sparked conversations on social media.Outside the ICC Academy ground in Dubai, Gambhir was also seen interacting warmly with supporters and signing autographs, further adding to the excitement building around India’s preparations. His popularity, both as a former player and now as a coach, continues to resonate strongly with fans.Under Gambhir’s mentorship, KKR clinched the IPL 2024 title, a triumph that further enhanced his reputation as a tactician. During his playing days, he had also captained the franchise to memorable title wins in 2012 and 2014. Now in a different role, Gambhir has carried forward his winning mentality into coaching. At the international level, he has already tasted success, guiding India to the ICC Champions Trophy title earlier in 2025. The Asia Cup provides him with another chance to underline his growing stature as a coach.Defending champions India will open their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Four days later, the much-anticipated showdown with Pakistan will take place at the same venue on September 14. India will conclude their group-stage assignments against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.The Asia Cup, running until September 28, will see eight teams competing for the coveted trophy. This edition, being played in the T20 format, is especially significant as it doubles up as preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held next year in India and Sri Lanka. Since 2016, the Asia Cup has rotated between ODIs and T20Is, serving as a testing ground for Asian teams across formats.A total of 19 matches will be played, with 11—including the final—scheduled in Dubai, while Abu Dhabi will host the remaining eight. The India-Pakistan clash is expected to be the tournament’s biggest draw, ensuring packed houses and high television ratings.India boast the most successful record in Asia Cup history, with eight titles. Sri Lanka follow with six, while Pakistan have lifted the trophy twice. Despite the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India are still considered favourites, backed by a strong bench and recent consistency.Group A features India, Oman, Pakistan, and hosts UAE. Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The top two from each group will qualify for the Super Fours, from where the finalists will emerge.With Gambhir at the helm and India eager to defend their title, the spotlight will firmly remain on how the Men in Blue adapt and perform in UAE conditions once again.