Asia Cup 2025: 'India are favourites, Kuldeep should be included' - World Cup winner backs Suryakumar and Co. to triumph in continental event

Former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal backed India as favourites to defend their Asia Cup title and also urged the team management to pick experienced left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the lineup.

India, record eight-time champions of the Asia Cup, will begin their campaign on Wednesday, September 10. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will face the hosts UAE, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan and Oman are the other two teams in Group A. The other group (Group B) comprises Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Apart from India, Lal named Afghanistan as strong contenders to go the distance. The 74-year-old also mentioned Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as teams which could do well in the eight-team competition.

"India is a strong favourite due to their skilled team. The unpredictability of the T20 format and the performances of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan-especially Afghanistan, who are currently playing well-make for an exciting tournament. Afghanistan could challenge Pakistan, whose current form and confidence levels are uncertain. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are all strong contenders," he was quoted as saying by India Today.

Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the team due to his unique bowling style: Lal

Lal also shared his views on what could be the ideal team combination for India in the Asia Cup. While advocating for Kuldeep's inclusion, Lal said that the Men in Blue could opt for three pacers and two spinners in Dubai.

"Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the team due to his unique bowling style, which is difficult to counter in T20 cricket. The final decision will, of course, depend on wicket conditions and team combination. Ideally, two spinners and three pace bowlers should be included in Dubai," Lal added.

The highly-anticipated tournament gets underway on Tuesday, September 9. Afghanistan will square off against Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in the curtain raiser.