The speculations that everything is not well between the India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya have been doing the rounds ahead of their final group match against Oman on September 19 in Dubai.
The Men in Blue have already qualified for the Super Four round of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after beating the UAE and Pakistan comprehensively in their first two group matches in Dubai. After the massive drama over India’s no-handshake stand, Hardik Pandya and Gautam Gambhir’s intense discussion during the training session hit the headlines.
Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya’s heated exchange fuels speculation in the Indian camp
In the middle of the Indian cricket team’s net session in Dubai, a moment grabbed everyone’s attention ahead of their final group match against Oman on Friday.
Actually, Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya were spotted in a long and animated discussion on the sidelines of the team’s net session in Dubai. The exchange wasn’t casual by any means, as they were deeply engaged.
Pandya, who is known for his aggressive brand of cricket, made strong gestures while explaining his point to Gautam Gambhir. The intensity in Hardik’s body language fuelled talk that a big tactical change is on the card for their final group match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman.
India and Pakistan qualify for the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s
Additionally, Gautam Gambhir was seen significantly involved during Jasprit Bumrah’s training session, which hints that India is unlikely to rest their premier bowler for the last group game.
Meanwhile, the Asia Cup 2025 points table shows a thrilling mix of dominance, heartbreak, and high-voltage anticipation. Pakistan’s crucial victory over the UAE has pushed them into the Super 4s alongside their arch-rivals India in Group A.
India has been the only unbeaten side in the table with a staggering +10.483 net run rate. Right behind them, Pakistan secured the second spot with 4 points after a dramatic and controversial week. On the other hand, both the UAE and Oman were knocked out of the tournament.
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are in a deadly fight for the Super 4 spot
In Group B, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have emerged as the frontrunners, each collecting 4 points to secure their place in the next stage. But Afghanistan remains alive thanks to their powerful net run rate despite having only 2 points. Their fate now hinges on the result of the Sri Lanka game on September 18.
If Sri Lanka wins their final group match against Afghanistan, it will finish as group leaders, pushing Bangladesh into second place. But if Afghanistan pulls off a victory, the entire Group B table will turn upside down. All three sides would then sit locked on four points, with Afghanistan making it to the Super Four round thanks to their stronger net run rate.
The real suspense lies with Sri Lanka, as their margin of defeat against Afghanistan could decide whether they stay alive or get knocked out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, giving Bangladesh a chance. So far, Hong Kong, Oman, and the UAE have been eliminated from the tournament.