"India best team in Asia and in the world”- Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib names favourites to win Asia Cup 2025

Gulbadin Naib is part of Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2025.

Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib praised Indian Cricket Team, describing them as the best team in Asia and the globe. His remarks were made prior to Afghanistan’s crucial Asia Cup 2025 match against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on September 18, which is required to qualify for the Super Four stage.

However, after defeating Pakistan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in group A, India have already advanced to the Super Four stage. Their next match with Pakistan is scheduled for Sunday, September 21.

Naib has been a cornerstone player for Afghanistan since his debut in 2011. He has played 89 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the Asian nation. In ODIs, Naib has scored 1332 runs and taken 74 wickets, while in T20Is, he has scored 986 runs and taken 35 wickets.

“You get to learn a lot”- Gulbadin Naib praises Team India, shares experience of playing in IPL

Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib hailed Team India, calling them the best side in both Asia and the world. He added that he has always enjoyed learning from Indian Premier League (IPL) players he has shared the dressing room with.

“India is the best team in Asia and in the world. You get to learn a lot from these boys. I have shared dressing room with them in the IPL, and all the games we have played against them, we had a great experience. We cannot say anybody is a favourite in T20 cricket; the team that plays well will win. Still, if you look at the paper, India is the best team,” Naib told ANI.

Afghanistan has had a mixed bag in Asia Cup 2025, winning against Hong Kong handsomely but losing to Bangladesh narrowly, putting their qualification for the next round in jeopardy. Naib spoke about the uncertain nature of T20 cricket.

“In T20 cricket, one player can change the course of the game, whether it’s from the top order, middle order, or the lower order, or it’s a spinner, any player on their day can change the game. That game will go that way. I think T20 cricket is entertainment cricket, so everybody wants to do something for the country,” Naib concluded.

With two victories in two games, Sri Lanka are leading the pack. Afghanistan maintain third place with a victory and a defeat. When it comes down to net-run-rate, all three teams would have two victories if Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka in the final Group B match.

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