Dubai, Sept 11 — India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill gave fans a touching moment during the Asia Cup 2025 when he hugged UAE bowler Simranjeet Singh immediately after scoring the winning boundary in their Group A clash.

Gill, unbeaten on 20, pulled Simranjeet for four in the 5th over to complete India’s chase of 58 runs. Instead of celebrating, Gill walked straight towards his old acquaintance, shook hands, and embraced him warmly.

Their story goes back more than ten years. Gill, as a young teenager in Mohali, often faced Simranjeet in the nets. While Gill went on to become a World Cup–winning U-19 player in 2018 and later India’s all-format cricketer, Simranjeet shifted to the UAE during the pandemic, where he built his cricketing career and eventually earned a place in the national team.

Before the match, Simranjeet had wondered if Gill would even remember him. The hug showed that the bond had survived time and distance.

On the field, India dominated. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked three wickets in one over, skittling UAE for just 57. Abhishek Sharma’s quick 30 from 16 balls set up the chase, and Gill’s shot finished it in style, adding an emotional chapter to the contest.