Arshdeep Singh's Inclusion Might Kick Out...: India To Take A Hard Call vs Pakistan?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav [Source: AFP Media]Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav [Source: AFP Media]

India have made a dominating start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side won comprehensively by nine wickets, with three spinners dominating the proceedings. However, their next challenge would not be easy; this time, they would be up against their arch-rivals, Pakistan.

Pakistan have a range of batters who are better than the ones India has faced in the opening game of the Asia Cup. Gautam Gambhir and the rest of the Indian management might look to bring in Arshdeep Singh into the side for the Pakistan game. In this article, we will analyse the squad composition and find the players who might be dropped, to include Arshdeep Singh in the side.

Why Arshdeep Singh is Essential Against Pakistan

Pakistan will come up with a more formidable challenge for India with a batting line-up that seems decent on paper. They mostly have players who can take charge of all the phases in a T20 game. 

To have complete control of the game, India would look to have a death over specialist who can support Jasprit Bumrah. To restrict the scoring rate of Pakistan towards the death phase, Arshdeep inclusions could prove vital for the Asia Cup defending champions.

The Case for Dropping Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma is probably the most logical candidate who can be excluded from the Pakistan game. Despite his undeniable talent, his position in the batting line-up is looking a bit confusing. With Sanju, Surya, Hardik, and Axar, it seems like Tilak would not get the proper chance to showcase his batting. Hence, giving up an extra batter to strengthen the pace department could be a good option.

The Case for Dropping Axar Patel

Although this seems unlikely, India might look to drop Axar Patel for the game. The only reason that India can consider this move is that there are a number of left-handed batters in the Pakistan batting line-up. Axar presents a negative match-up against them, so dropping him could be an option that the Indian management might consider.

The Final Verdict

India's management faces a classic selection dilemma: maintaining a winning combination or adapting to counter their opposition. While the three spinners, one genuine pacer, were suitable for the UAE, Pakistan's quality demands tactical flexibility.

The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh could prove to be the difference between victory and defeat in what promises to be a high-octane encounter. The left-arm pacer's skills in the powerplay and also his expertise in the death overs might just be the weapon that India need to tame their arch-rivals.