In the 2025 Asia Cup, India have opted to play only one specialist seamer in Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have been used as fast-bowling all-rounder in the continental competition. This hase allowed India to have eight batting options, adding depth to the side.
However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels this ploy could be risky considering that dew could be a key factor in the matches to come, including the Super-Four encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan
on Sunday, September 21. Pathan opined that if the ball gets wet, captain Suryakumar Yadav will struggle to use the three spinners in his side. The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested that having Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI could solve this problem.
The 40-year-old Pathan also expressed his concerns about Hardik and Dube's abilities to bowl yorkers consistently.
"I will stick to my words, what I said before the start of the Asia Cup. I would want to see Arshdeep play with (Jasprit) Bumrah because a situation could come where you might need a second fast bowler. When the ball gets wet and you are under pressure, is Hardik's (Pandya) strength bowling six yorkers, or can Shivam Dube bowl those yorkers consistently?" Pathan responded.
"There will be a question there. That's why, can you think about Arshdeep? However, it's difficult to change a team that's been playing and winning. You wouldn't want to play a batter less as well. It's a tough decision. I would have done differently, but the team is thinking differently," the former India left-arm seamer added.
It will have to be seen whether they will play with Arshdeep or get in another batter: Abhishek Nayar
India rested Bumrah and Chakaravarthy in the last game against Oman, giving opportunities to Arshdeep and Harshit Rana to play the inconsequential tie. However, Abhishek Nayar feels that against Pakistan, India will field the same side that played the first two games of the tournament.
"It seems like that. Varun Chakaravarthy will return. You will see that one change for sure. However, it will have to be seen whether they will play with Arshdeep or get in another batter. I feel they will have the same team that was playing earlier. You won't see too many changes," he replied.
The former assistant coach of the Indian team said that India's overall team combination is right for the conditions in the UAE.
"Spin bowlers have had an impact in Dubai. Bumrah will return and Hardik, who is bowling well, is there. So do you need a third seamer? Dube hasn't bowled badly at all thus far. He has played his role. He will definitely give you one or two overs. So, if you see the overall formation of that team, it's right for these conditions," Nayar observed.
