As the political noise around boycott calls subsides, the focus finally shifts to cricket as India and Pakistan lock horns in the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. India enter the high-voltage contest after crushing the UAE in their opener, registering their biggest-ever T20I win by balls remaining. Pakistan, meanwhile, begin their campaign against Oman but come in with momentum from a recent tri-series triumph.
Sanju Samson retains his place
Contrary to expectations, India have continued backing Sanju Samson in the XI ahead of Jitesh Sharma. Samson has been slotted into the middle order, with management showing faith despite demoting his batting position. His presence provides India with stability and flexibility in the middle overs.
Shivam Dube over Arshdeep Singh
Perhaps the most debated selection is Shivam Dube keeping Arshdeep Singh out of the XI. Dube’s all-round value—highlighted by his career-best 3/4 against the UAE—has impressed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s think tank. His ability to contribute both with bat and ball has tilted the balance in his favour, even if it means sacrificing India’s left-arm pace option.
Arshdeep’s exclusion is seen as unfortunate, especially given his proven record against Pakistan (7 wickets in four T20Is at a strike rate of 13.43). However, India appear to be prioritizing batting depth till No. 8 in Dubai’s conditions, with Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel offering a multi-dimensional lower order.
Predicted India Playing XI vs Pakistan
| Position | 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 Chakravarthy | Spinner |
| 10. | Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| 11. | Jasprit Bumrah | Pacer |
On the bench: Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma.
Key Talking Point
The absence of Arshdeep Singh leaves India with only two frontline pacers in Bumrah and Pandya, with Dube filling the third seamer’s role. Against Pakistan’s explosive top order, this strategy could be tested. However, India’s spin-heavy approach, featuring Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar, signals confidence in slowing down Pakistan under lights in Dubai.
