India, Sept. 11 -- India's 2025 Asia Cup opener on Wednesday gave fans a good idea about Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav's preferred playing XI. Both batters and bowlers barely had to do anything as India sealed a nine-wicket win. The first innings saw Indian bowlers dismantle UAE with ease, as they could only reach 57/1 in 13.1 overs. India opted to go with three spinners in Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. Meanwhile, Bumrah was the only specialist fast bowler picked, and Hardik Pandya being included as the second pacer.

In response to UAE's first innings total, India eased to 60/1 in 4.3 overs, as Abhishek Sharma slammed 30 off 16 balls, including two fours and three sixes.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, ex-India cric...