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Explained: Why India Have Dropped Arshdeep Singh For Asia Cup 2025 Match vs UAE

Debashis Sarangi

Arshdeep Singh has been dropped from IND XI vs UAE [Source: AFP]Arshdeep Singh has been dropped from IND XI vs UAE [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, India won the toss and opted to bowl first in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025 against the United Arab Emirates. At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that his side would field first in order to capitalise on Dubai International Cricket Stadium’s playing conditions. 

Why Is Arshdeep Singh Not Included In India XI vs UAE?

Arshdeep Singh has been one of the finest performers for India in T20Is, scalping 99 wickets in just 63 matches. So, considering his potential and performance over the years, Arshdeep's exclusion came as a shocking move for India's passionate fans. 

As the Punjab pacer grabs the limelight, here are the possible reasons why India have excluded him from their playing XI. 

Batting depth and tendency to pick multi-dimensional players

Modern-day cricket demands a deep batting lineup to succeed in the T20 format. By dropping Arshdeep, India created room for Shivam Dube, who can be handy as a lower middle order batter in this match. 

More importantly, India didn't sacrifice bowling quality, including six genuine options, including Dube, who can roll their arms. So, apart from Bumrah, Kuldeep and Chakravarthy, India have Axar and Hardik, who are capable of bowling four overs each. Additionally, Dube can chip in with a couple of overs apart from playing quick-fire knocks. 

Sticking To Champions Trophy formula

India, in a surprising move, went with three frontline spinners in the Champions Trophy, a move that worked wonders for the Men in Blue. With Hardik Pandya empowering India with a potent bowling option, the Men in Blue preferred three genuine spinners, including Axar, Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy, shutting the door for Arshdeep, who might not have played a significant role on the UAE's spin-friendly pitches. 

India's Playing XI For Asia Cup Match vs UAE

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah