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Axar To Sit Out With Injury? 3 Key Changes India Can Make For Asia Cup Match vs Pakistan

Abhinav Tyagi

Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya - (Source : AFP)Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya - (Source : AFP)

On Sunday, September 21, India will lock horns against Pakistan for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. A lot has changed for both teams in the past week, as India remains unbeaten with three wins in three matches.

The Men in Blue topped their group with wins over Oman, but the Suryakumar Yadav-led side is expected to make a few changes for the upcoming India match. 

1. Varun, Bumrah Set To Return

For the match against Oman, India made a couple of changes, which were to rest Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah. However, for the much-awaited clash against Pakistan, the two bowling maestros will return to the playing XI. 

Bumrah and Varun were both clinical against the Men in Green on September 21 as Bumrah took two wickets, while Chakravarthy bowled an economical spell.

2. Jitesh Sharma In For Axar Patel

In the match against Oman, Axar Patel went off the field after he took a nasty fall and injured the back of his head. Patel walked off the field with a suspected concussion, and as of now, there is no clarity whether the star all-rounder will be able to recover in time for the match.

Thus, it is expected that India might go for more batting depth as they lack more all-rounders in the team. Jitesh Sharma is expected to be part of India's playing XI in case Axar misses out. In such a scenario, Jitesh can play the perfect finisher's role and justify his selection.

Interestingly, Patel's injury has opened the space for Shubman Gill, Jitesh, and Sanju Samson to be in the playing XI.

3. Arshdeep Singh To Replace Shivam Dube

If Axar Patel misses out, then it feels like Shivam Dube might also have to make his way out because the Men in Blue cannot afford to have the CSK star as their fifth bowler against Pakistan. 

Thus, it is expected that Arshdeep Singh might retain his place in the team and form a formidable force alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya. 

India's Probable XI With Possible Changes vs Pakistan

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah