Key takeaways from India’s matches in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 1

India lost against Kazakhstan and Iran.

India’s campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 1 hasn’t gone down pretty well with the nation losing both its matches. The Blue Cagers first fell short against Kazakhstan before losing to Iran in the second match at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.

Despite their best efforts and some moments of magic, the final whistle saw Iran emerge victorious with a significant lead, the scoreboard reading a disheartening 53-86.

The team’s journey in the tournament began with a challenging Group opener against Kazakhstan in Astana. Despite a spirited performance, India fell short by 13 points, with the final score reading 63-50.

While the results may not reflect their efforts, the Indian basketball team showcased commendable resilience against both teams during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers Window 1. Currently ranked 81st in FIBA rankings, India now finds itself at the bottom of Group E, with crucial matches against Kazakhstan and Qatar in Window 2 slated for November.

Here are some key takeaways from India’s matches in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Shooting Accuracy

Despite India’s commendable shooting accuracy, it was not sufficient to secure victories. Their 2-pointer conversion rate was impressive, but they fell short in 3-pointer conversions, which proved crucial in their matches against Kazakhstan and Iran.

Importance of 3-pointers

The games underscored the significance of 3-pointers in modern basketball. While India showed proficiency in 2-pointers, their lower conversion rate for 3-pointers compared to their opponents was a decisive factor in the outcomes.

Defensive struggles

India struggled defensively, particularly against Iran. Despite their strategic shifts between zonal defense and one-on-one, they were outpaced by Iran’s speed and intimidating defense, leading to a significant deficit in rebounds and other key defensive statistics.

Emerging talent

Pranav Prince has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Indian team. His performance was a standout, and his agility and finesse left spectators in awe. His potential is recognized by coach Vaseline Matic, indicating a promising future for the young player.

Mental fortitude

The Indian team seemed to be defeated even before the end of the game against Iran. The aggression from Iran appeared to have a significant impact on the morale of the Indian team. This highlights the importance of mental fortitude in high stakes matches.

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