The fate of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 was dependent on if the Indian government agrees to play Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. As it turned out, the higher authorities have kept sports away from politics, and now the fans are rewarded with a blockbuster of a clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (September 14). India have already opened their account after their biggest win in T20I history (by balls remaining) as they mauled the UAE in just 4.3 overs.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will start their campaign against Oman at the same venue. They enter the tournament on the back of a much-needed tri-nation series win. Also, despite not having Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, this Pakistan unit is a bit fearless and filled with exciting talent.
However, on paper, they don’t have a chance against India, who are the strongest T20 unit across the globe, notwithstanding the fact that they are the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup champions currently. Below we see the predicted Playing XI that can take the field against Pakistan on Sunday.
Surprising Sanju Samson to be backed again?
After all the hints that the Indian team gave during training sessions, we all thought Jitesh Sharma would pip Sanju Samson in the wicket-keeping race. But the Men in Blue sprung a surprise by ‘keeping’ Samson in the playing XI. The only catch is that his batting position has been demoted to the middle order. While Jitesh would’ve been an ideal pick for that number, the development has given a great vote of confidence by the management to Samson.
Abhishek Sharma, with a batting strike rate of over 190, would be buzzing to play his first T20I against Pakistan alongside Shubman Gill, who looked in great touch against the UAE. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson would form a phenomenal middle order, followed by Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube.
Shivam Dube keeps Arshdeep Singh out
Dube, in particular, would be high on confidence after his career-best bowling figures of 3/4 against the UAE. He has worked behind the scenes with bowling coach Morne Morkel and that was quite evident as he bowled with purpose. That being said, this Pakistan team is not UAE.
It will take a lot out of Dube to shine against stronger batting teams and that is when everyone can gauge his bowling prowess. Unfortunately, the ‘Impact Player’ rule in the IPL since 2023 has kept batting all-rounders like Dube away from testing their bowling in high-pressure and high-quality games.
But due to the fact that Dube offers something in both batting and bowling, the Gautam Gambhir-led management has put him in the starting XI. As a casualty, Arshdeep Singh has been moved out of the playing XI quite unfortunately. Had the pitches in Dubai offered more seam movement, it would have been either Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakaravarthy. But currently the equation is that India’s leading wicket-taker in T20I history isn’t able to fit into a side that demands batting till number eight.
It is extremely unfortunate for Arshdeep, who has been warming the bench for the majority of 2025. He was there at the ICC Champions Trophy as well but India opted to go ahead with Harshit Rana and Mohammed Shami. The left-armer was also in the two-month-long Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but saw someone like Anshul Kamboj get his maiden Test cap despite not being in the initial squad. It is something that Ravichandran Ashwin also pointed out: ever since Gautam Gambhir started coaching, Arshdeep’s chances have been limited.
Without Arshdeep, India’s death bowling could take a hit as well. India only have two genuine pace-bowling options in Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya. Yes, Dube is available, but he can have a hard time bowling to dangerous batters in this format. Also, Arshdeep has a history of doing well against Pakistan, having taken 7 wickets at a bowling strike rate of 13.43 and an economy of 7.8 across four T20Is. But unfortunately, there’s no room for him in the side as of now.
Predicted India XI vs UAE in Asia Cup opener
| Postion | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Abhishek Sharma | Opener |
| 2. | Shubman Gill (VC) | Opener |
| 3. | Tilak Varma | Batter |
| 4. | Suryakumar Yadav (C) | Batter |
| 5. | Sanju Samson (WK) | Keeper-batter |
| 6. | Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| 7. | Shivam Dube | All-rounder |
| 8. | Axar Patel | Spinner |
| 9. | Varun Chakravathy | Spinner |
| 10. | Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| 11. | Jasprit Bumrah | Pacer |
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