Asia Cup 2025: "Complacency is a danger" - Former India opener issues stern warning to Suryakumar Yadav and Co.

T20 World Cup winner Robin Uthappa warned the Indian team of complacency as they look to defend their title in the 17th edition of the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue find themselves in Group A with Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE also present. Two teams will make it to the Super Four stage from each group.

While India are favourites to top Group A and reach the next round, Uthappa doesn't want the Suryakumar Yadav-led side to drop the intensity when they are facing teams which are not at their level, at least on paper.

"I think complacency is a danger, so I’d make sure they take every game respectfully. The quality of players is so good that sometimes you can take your foot off the pedal, thinking, ‘Listen, we’ll dominate, so you can relax.’ That is something they need to look out for," Uthappa said while speaking on Sony Sports.

So you want everyone getting along, keeping the dressing room atmosphere light: Uthappa

Uthappa believes that it will be important for the Indian team to keep a healthy atmosphere in the dressing room, especially with some players looking to cement their place in the side ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The former India opener feels that a dressing room free from egos or insecurity would be critical.

"They need to make sure the health of the team is really good. In this unit, there may be two or three more guys who are going to be the key contenders for the World Cup next year. So you want everyone getting along, keeping the dressing room atmosphere light, but at the same time, playing for each other," he added.

Uthappa mentioned that Afghanistan can cause trouble for India, especially because of their strong bowling lineup.

"A team like Afghanistan, where the bowling is really good, can put pressure on them," Uthappa concluded.

India begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on Wednesday, September 10, as they face the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.