Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib Hails India as Top Team Worldwide

Afghanistan’s all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has praised Team India, declaring it the best cricket team in both Asia and the world. Speaking to the media, Naib reflected on his experiences sharing the dressing room with Indian players during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and expressed admiration for their skills and professionalism.

“India is the best team in Asia and in the world. You get to learn a lot from these boys,” Naib stated. He emphasized the value of his interactions with Indian players, noting that every match against them has provided valuable insights and experiences.

Naib continued, “We cannot say anybody is a favorite in T20 cricket; the team that plays well will win. Still, if you look at the paper, India is the best team.” His comments highlight the unpredictability of T20 matches, where momentum can shift rapidly and any player can make a significant impact.

The all-rounder is currently a member of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and has participated in two matches this season. He shared his thoughts on the nature of T20 cricket, stating, “In T20 cricket, one player can change the course of the game, whether it’s from the top order, middle order, or lower order. That game will go that way. I think T20 cricket is entertainment cricket, so everybody wants to do something for the country.”

In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan faced a challenging match against Bangladesh on September 12, where they lost by a narrow margin of eight runs. The match, held in Abu Dhabi, showcased excellent spin bowling and death overs performance by Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, further demonstrating the competitive nature of the tournament.

Looking ahead, Afghanistan is scheduled to play against Sri Lanka on September 18 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. With both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh currently holding four points each, the competition for advancement to the “Super Four” stage is intensifying. Afghanistan has accumulated two points so far, and a victory over Sri Lanka will be crucial for their chances, potentially leaving qualification dependent on net run-rate.

As the Asia Cup continues, Naib’s remarks serve as a reminder of the high stakes and competitive spirit within the tournament, reflecting the passion for cricket that unites teams and fans alike.