12 September,2025 05:07 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondent
Suryakumar Yadav, Iftikhar Ahmad (Pic: AFP)
India kickstarted their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, registering their biggest-ever T20I win by balls remaining after chasing down UAE's modest target in just 4.3 overs. In contrast, Pakistan are yet to begin their campaign, with their opening clash against Oman scheduled for later today at the Dubai International Stadium.
They come into the tournament buoyed by a tri-series victory but face a stiff challenge in the absence of their senior batting pillars, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. While the current Pakistan squad is young, bold, and packed with potential, their real test begins on September 14, when they take on arch-rivals India. With India holding both the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup titles, the odds are firmly stacked against a Pakistan side undergoing transition.
India, meanwhile, have surprised many with their team selection. Contrary to training ground whispers, Sanju Samson has been chosen over Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper, though his batting role has been pushed down the order.
At the top, Abhishek Sharma, boasting a T20I strike rate of over 190, is likely to partner Shubman Gill, who looked fluent in India's opener. The middle order, comprising Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Samson, offers explosive firepower, while Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube provide both depth and balance.
Dube, fresh off a career-best 3/4 against the UAE, has retained his place, edging out Arshdeep Singh. Despite Arshdeep's impressive record against Pakistan, 7 wickets in 4 T20Is, he finds himself sidelined, largely due to team balance and Dubai's spin-friendly conditions.
India are expected to go in with three frontline spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar, while Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya handle the pace duties. However, the exclusion of Arshdeep, India's leading T20I wicket-taker, leaves their death bowling slightly exposed.
The left-arm pacer has been on the fringes throughout 2025, missing out on multiple major tournaments despite strong performances. His absence has not gone unnoticed, with veteran Ravichandran Ashwin publicly questioning the decision.
Predicted playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
