Asia Cup 2025: Irfan Pathan Urges India to Play Arshdeep Singh Alongside Bumrah vs Pakistan

In the 2025 Asia Cup, India opted for a somewhat unconventional approach to their playing XI by including only one specialist fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. To balance the team and strengthen batting depth, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube were deployed as fast-bowling all-rounders. This strategy provided India with eight reliable batting options, allowing the team to field a deep line-up that could adapt to different match situations. However, while the approach offers clear batting advantages, it comes with potential risks, particularly with the weather and pitch conditions in the UAE. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced concerns over this strategy, emphasizing that it might become risky if dew plays a significant role in matches. With the Super Four clash against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled for September 21, Pathan believes that dew could make it challenging for captain Suryakumar Yadav to effectively utilize the team’s three spinners. According to him, having a second specialist fast bowler in the form of Arshdeep Singh could provide a crucial safety net in such scenarios.

The 40-year-old Pathan also raised questions about whether Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube can consistently deliver accurate yorkers under pressure. In his analysis, Pathan reiterated that while both players are talented and capable of contributing as all-rounders, their ability to handle critical bowling responsibilities, particularly in high-stakes matches, is not guaranteed. He stressed that in situations where the ball gets wet due to dew, relying solely on Pandya and Dube to bowl key overs could leave India vulnerable. Pathan firmly believes that including Arshdeep Singh alongside Bumrah would offer a balanced and flexible bowling attack, capable of adapting to challenging conditions without compromising the batting depth.

Pathan maintained that his views were consistent with the opinions he shared prior to the start of the Asia Cup. He pointed out that cricket matches often present unpredictable situations, and having a second fast bowler could be decisive in turning the tide in India’s favor. “If the ball gets wet, can Hardik really bowl six perfect yorkers? Can Shivam Dube deliver them consistently under pressure? These are questions that the team must consider,” Pathan said. While he acknowledged the difficulty of altering a winning team, he also highlighted the tactical advantage of including Arshdeep Singh, even if it meant making tough decisions such as dropping a batter. “I would have chosen differently, but the team management has its own strategy and plans,” he added.

Adding further perspective, former Indian team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shared his views on India’s team selection. In the last game against Oman, India rested Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, giving opportunities to Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana to gain experience. While this allowed fringe players to showcase their skills, Nayar believes that India is likely to field the same core team for the crucial match against Pakistan. “It looks like Varun Chakaravarthy will return, which is one confirmed change. Whether they include Arshdeep or bring in another batter is still uncertain. I feel the team will mostly remain the same as before, with very few changes,” Nayar explained.

Nayar also defended the team’s current strategy, emphasizing that India’s combination suits the conditions in the UAE. He pointed out that the spin bowlers have been effective in Dubai, and the return of Bumrah, along with Hardik’s strong bowling form, reinforces the team’s balance. Nayar questioned the necessity of a third specialist seamer, arguing that Dube has performed his bowling duties effectively, contributing one or two overs as needed. In his view, the team’s formation provides an optimal mix of batting and bowling options, allowing India to adapt to various match situations while maintaining the depth required to compete at the highest level in the Asia Cup.

Overall, the debate between including a second specialist seamer like Arshdeep Singh or retaining the current all-rounder-heavy XI highlights the strategic dilemmas India faces in the tournament. While Pathan stresses the potential risks in high-pressure situations, Nayar underscores the team’s current balance and effectiveness. As India prepares to face Pakistan, the final XI decision will likely reflect a careful weighing of both risk and reward, ensuring the team is prepared for whatever challenges the Super Four stage presents.