Arshdeep Singh IN, Shivam Dube OUT! India’s playing XI vs Pakistan for Asia Cup final announced

Arshdeep Singh IN, Shivam Dube OUT! India’s playing XI vs Pakistan for Asia Cup final announced

Kris Srikkanth Selects India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025 Final Against Pakistan

Former Indian opener and 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on Team India’s playing XI for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan. The clash is set to take place in Dubai on Sunday, September 28, with India looking to maintain their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Srikkanth’s Bold Prediction and Squad Selection

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth made a notable change to India’s lineup, opting to drop Shivam Dube and include Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI. According to Srikkanth, the team should field seven specialist batters, with the versatile Kuldeep Yadav coming in at No. 8 to provide quick runs when needed.

“I’ll play Arshdeep Singh instead of Shivam Dube. Shivam Dube won’t even get a chance to bat. I’ll play with just seven batters. Kuldeep will bat at No. 8. He’s no pushover at that position. At 8, all you need is a boundary, a six, and around 10 runs, which Kuldeep Yadav is more than capable of delivering,” explained Srikkanth.

India has predominantly relied on batting depth in their Asia Cup 2025 matches, fielding just three specialist bowlers. Arshdeep Singh, India’s top T20I wicket-taker, has been on the bench for four out of the six games played so far.

Confident in India’s Victory

Srikkanth expressed confidence in India’s ability to clinch the title, regardless of the final squad selection. Highlighting Shivam Dube’s impressive performance with the ball in the tournament, Srikkanth emphasized that India is poised for success.

“Yes, Dube has been outstanding with the ball. He crucially picked up two wickets against Pakistan in the last match. Regardless of who plays in the final, whether it’s Ram or Raavan, India is going to emerge victorious,” stated Srikkanth.

Hardik Pandya’s Injury Concerns

However, India’s preparations have been slightly marred by injury concerns. All-rounder Hardik Pandya exited the field after bowling just one over against Sri Lanka due to discomfort in his left thigh. While the team management is monitoring his condition, doubts loom over his availability for the final.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel described Pandya’s issue as a cramp, while other players like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma are also nursing minor niggles. Despite this, India remains dominant against Pakistan, having won seven consecutive matches across formats since their 2022 Asia Cup defeat.

This final marks a historic moment as it will be the first-ever India-Pakistan showdown in the Asia Cup’s history, adding more excitement and anticipation to the much-awaited clash.

India’s Dominance in Recent Matches

India’s impressive form leading up to the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan has been a testament to their depth and talent in both batting and bowling departments. The team has been consistently delivering strong performances, with standout players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge.

While the focus has been on the final showdown against Pakistan, India’s journey in the tournament has been marked by comprehensive victories against other Asian powerhouses like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The team’s ability to adapt to different conditions and opposition strategies has been a key factor in their success.

Arshdeep Singh’s Inclusion and Impact

The decision to include Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI for the final is a strategic move by Kris Srikkanth that could potentially pay dividends for India. Singh’s ability to swing the ball both ways and pick up crucial wickets in the powerplay overs has been a valuable asset for the team in T20 cricket.

With his impressive performances in the domestic circuit and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Singh brings a fresh dimension to India’s bowling attack. His partnership with seasoned campaigners like Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar could add further potency to India’s arsenal against Pakistan’s formidable batting lineup.

Impact of Hardik Pandya’s Injury

The concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya’s injury have raised questions about India’s balance and depth in the all-rounder department. Pandya’s explosive batting and crucial overs with the ball have been instrumental in India’s success in limited-overs cricket.

If Pandya is ruled out of the final due to his thigh injury, it will require a reshuffle in the team’s composition and strategy. Players like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar could be called upon to fill the void left by Pandya’s absence, showcasing India’s adaptability and bench strength.

The Historic India-Pakistan Rivalry

The final between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 holds immense significance not only in the context of the tournament but also due to the longstanding rivalry between the two cricketing nations. Matches between India and Pakistan have always evoked intense emotions and captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

As the first-ever India-Pakistan showdown in the Asia Cup’s history, the final is expected to be a high-stakes encounter with both teams vying for supremacy on the cricketing stage. The clash of titans is sure to draw a massive global audience and create unforgettable moments that will be etched in cricketing folklore.

Conclusion

With the stage set for a blockbuster final between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, the cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation and excitement. Kris Srikkanth’s bold predictions and squad selections have added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, highlighting the tactical nuances and strategic decisions that play a crucial role in high-pressure games.

As the two teams gear up to face each other in Dubai, all eyes will be on the players to deliver performances worthy of the historic rivalry and the prestigious title at stake. India’s quest for continued dominance and Pakistan’s determination to upset the odds will make for a thrilling contest that fans and pundits alike will eagerly await.

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