Asia Cup 2025: Will Arshdeep Singh play against Pakistan? India coach reveals

Arshdeep Singh wasn’t included in India’s playing XI against the UAE.

Indian Cricket Team’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has shed light on Arshdeep Singh’s chances of playing against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. The right-arm pacer was not part of India’s playing XI in their opening clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10 (Wednesday).

Surprisingly, India went ahead with only one frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah in their playing XI against the UAE. Seam-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube lent a hand in the pace department, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy led the spin attack with the support of all-rounder Axar Patel.

Notably, Arshdeep has been a regular member of India’s T20I side for the last few years. He is also India’s highest wicket-taker in the shortest format, with 99 wickets in 63 games. His ouster from India’s XI for the opening game of the tournament against the UAE drew flak from critics.

Playing XI will be decided after having a look at the wicket: Sitanshu Kotak

While speaking about Arshdeep’s chances to play against Pakistan, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said that the playing XI will be decided according to the wicket. He also added that the head coach and captain will take the final call.

“Playing XI will be decided after having a look at the wicket. There is no agenda. There is no personal liking and disliking. All 15 are capable to play. It is all about what the coach and captain wants,” he said.

Meanwhile, spinner Kuldeep Yadav was highly successful in the opening game against UAE, picking a four-wicket haul. He also won Player of the Match award for his show with the ball. Apart from him, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah were also among the wickets.

Notably, India crushed the UAE by nine wickets to kick off the tournament with a huge victory. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side bundled out UAE for 57 runs in the first innings and later chased down the target in just 4.3 overs. India’s next match in the tournament will be against Pakistan on September 14 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

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