India have been the most dominant team in Asia Cup 2025 so far and have won both games comprehensively. Now, they are all set to play their third and final group stage game against Oman, which is a great opportunity to try out something different ahead of the all-important Super Four.
There might be a change or two in the Indian team. However, more than that, it is important that Suryakumar Yadav makes some tactical changes which could benefit India in the Super Four. Here is what Suryakumar Yadav can do differently in the game against Oman.
Suryakumar Yadav Should Bat First After Easy Chases Against UAE, Pakistan
India have chased the target in both the games and have done that quite easily. Their bowling group has dominated in the first half, and India got two below-par targets to chase. Thus, the batting group has not been pushed so far and India have not been able to push their limits with the willow in hand.
Therefore, if Suryakumar Yadav wins the toss against Oman, he should bat first. It would help batters to challenge themselves and see how they can perform while batting first on pitches that have not been easy. Also, batting first might also bring an opportunity for players like Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, who have not played a single ball in the tournament so far.
In Super 4, against big teams, India might need finishing touches from the above three players. Thus, the Oman game is a good opportunity to give them some time in the middle. Overall, there are higher chances of the middle order getting tested while batting first and thus India should give it a go in the last match of the group stage.
Avoid 3 Bumrah Overs In Powerplay; Save Him For Death
Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the best bowler in the world, and one of his great strengths is his death bowling. He can nail yorkers under pressure, and his presence brings an element of fear to the opposition team.
Generally, he bowls at least two overs in the last five, which helps captains control the final phase of the T20 innings. However, in this Asia Cup, Suryakumar Yadav has bowled three of his four overs in the Powerplay itself. The move has not backfired because spinners have done well in the middle overs and India have not been put under any pressure in both the matches.
Bumrah In T20s: Powerplay vs Death
Criterion
Powerplay
Death (16-20)
Overs
194
224.5
Runs
1309
1851
Wickets
39
101
Economy
6.75
8.23
Average
33.6
18.3
Strike-Rate
29.8
13.4
Dot Percentage
56.7
37.3
However, things could change in the Super Four. If teams start off decently against India and do not lose wickets regularly, they might attack in the death, and that is where India would need at least two overs from Jasprit Bumrah. As the only frontline pacer in the side, having his two overs at the death becomes even more crucial as the likes of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube might leak runs against set batters in the final overs.
Therefore, against Oman, Suryakumar Yadav can try saving two overs from Jasprit Bumrah for the death. It will also help him try out some different bowling combinations in Powerplay, which can also be useful in the Super 4 phase.
Abhishek Sharma In Powerplay With Ball
In the two matches India have played so far, Suryakumar Yadav has used Abhishek Sharma for just one over with the ball. However, the cricketer bowls regularly for his state and has been pretty successful too.
His left-arm angle against right-handed openers could be handy, and with pitches assisting spinners, he could be effective. His 51.8 per cent of deliveries in the Powerplay are dots, which shows that he knows how to keep batters quiet, and Oman game is a perfect opportunity to try that out in the Asia Cup.
Abhishek Sharma With Ball In T20s (Powerplay)
Criterion
Powerplay
Overs
42.5
Runs
282
Wickets
12
Economy
6.58
Average
23.5
Strike-Rate
21.4
Dot Percentage
51.8
If he gets a wicket or two, it would boost his confidence, and India would get an additional bowling resource, which they can use in Super Four if needed. It would allow Suryakumar Yadav to now bowl three Bumrah overs in Powerplay, and could be a win-win situation for India. Also, if Suryakumar manages to get at least two overs from Abhishek Sharma regularly in T20Is, it could benefit India in the T20 World Cup 2026 as well.
Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir (Source: AFP).jpg)
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