India’s campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 couldn’t have started on a better note. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue steamrolled the hosts with a commanding nine-wicket win, driven largely by a spin-heavy attack that choked the opposition. However, their next opponent is no ordinary challenge – it’s Pakistan, and that changes everything.
While the initial victory was marked by dominance, tactical questions are now emerging. Chief among them: Should Arshdeep Singh be drafted into the XI for the high-octane face-off with Pakistan? If yes, who makes way?
Let’s unpack the possible changes and why Arshdeep could be the ace up India’s sleeve.
Why Arshdeep Singh Could Be the X-Factor
There’s no denying that Pakistan brings a stronger and more well-rounded batting line-up compared to the team India faced in their tournament opener. Their batters are capable of dictating play during all phases – powerplay, middle overs, and the death.
That’s where Arshdeep Singh comes in. The left-arm pacer has built a reputation as a death-overs specialist, and his variations, yorkers, and ability to bowl under pressure are traits that India could lean heavily on – especially in a high-pressure clash like this.
Jasprit Bumrah alone can’t do it all, and pairing him with Arshdeep offers India more firepower to counter Pakistan’s final assault with the bat.
The Case for Dropping Tilak Varma
One of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, Tilak Varma, might unfortunately find himself on the chopping block – not for lack of skill, but for team balance.
With the middle-order already crowded – Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel – Tilak’s role becomes a bit unclear. In a game where bowling depth could prove the difference, sacrificing an additional batter to bolster the pace attack isn’t the worst idea.
Tilak’s time will come perhaps later in the tournament but for this match, horses for courses might be the mantra.
Could Axar Patel Be the Surprise Omission?
Though it may seem unlikely, another name that could enter the selection debate is Axar Patel. The left-arm spinner offers value with both bat and ball, but India already has a spin trio that looked in complete control during the opening match.
The wrinkle? Pakistan’s batting line-up features a number of left-handers, and Axar’s left-arm orthodox spin may not match up well against them. If the team wants to exploit better match-ups and increase bowling variety, Axar could make way for an extra seamer.
Still, this is a bold move and one that the Indian management may be hesitant to take, given Axar’s versatility and experience.
What Will India Do?
India now finds itself facing a classic selection dilemma – stick with the winning combination or adjust to the opposition’s strengths?
Given the tactical demands of a match against Pakistan – where every over matters and momentum can shift in a flash – the smarter move might be to strengthen the pace battery. Arshdeep not only offers death-over insurance but also brings a left-arm angle that could disrupt Pakistan’s rhythm.
And if there’s ever a time to go bold, it’s against Pakistan.
The choice to bring in Arshdeep Singh could define the tone of India’s Asia Cup campaign. His ability to swing the new ball and execute under pressure in the final overs makes him a potential game-changer.
While it may come at the cost of a talented batter or an all-rounder, the risk might be worth the reward. In what’s sure to be an electric contest, every tactical edge matters and Arshdeep might just be India’s.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: ‘Just Go And..’ Kapil Dev Urges Ahead Of India-Pakistan Clash
