Cricket fans were left stunned after India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan did not include pacer Arshdeep Singh. The 26-year-old had been one of India’s biggest match-winners in the Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka, where he defended 12 runs in the final over before conceding just two runs in the Super Over to seal victory for India.

Despite such a performance, the management opted to bench Arshdeep, instead bringing in Rinku Singh for extra batting depth. The decision has sparked debate across social media, with many questioning Gautam Gambhir’s call as team mentor.

One user wrote, “Arshdeep is India’s top T20 pacer… benching him kills team balance.” Another added, “Strange call with Hardik already out. Why not play Arshdeep who thrives in death overs?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arshdeep’s exclusion comes as a surprise particularly because he has a strong record against Pakistan, having delivered match-winning spells in past encounters, including the 2022 Asia Cup. His absence means India will rely heavily on Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy for breakthroughs, while the inclusion of Rinku strengthens the middle order.

The move has left fans split — some supporting the additional batting cover in Hardik Pandya’s absence, while many argue that dropping Arshdeep after his Super Over brilliance is “unjustifiable.”

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