Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has made a compelling case for including Arshdeep Singh in the playing eleven for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan in Dubai this Sunday. Ashwin’s advocacy follows the left-arm pacer’s outstanding display in the Super Over against Sri Lanka. Arshdeep, who recently became the quickest pace bowler to claim 100 wickets in just 64 matches, has surprisingly struggled to cement a regular spot in the team due to India’s preference for a spin-heavy attack.
Arshdeep’s undeniable value was on full display in his second tournament appearance, where he delivered a game-changing Super Over against Sri Lanka. The 26-year-old Punjab seamer showed nerves of steel, conceding a mere two runs and snatching two crucial wickets, thereby clinching victory for India with a ball to spare. (Image: Arshdeep Singh)
Despite these impressive achievements, Arshdeep has consistently found it challenging to secure a permanent place, as India typically relies on star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, alongside their strong spin contingent.
Ashwin, in a passionate plea on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’, left no room for doubt: “I’ll say this even with my glasses on! Even if you wake me up from deep sleep, my answer won’t change: Arshdeep must play. How many runs will the number 8 batsman make? Not too many, and you don’t need that many. And for the World Cup in six months, work on Arshdeep’s batting, work on Varun Chakravarthy’s batting, Bumrah can already hit a bit, decent bat swing. The batting coach needs to give more time to these guys.”
This situation has gained even more urgency with the uncertainty surrounding Hardik Pandya’s participation in the final, following a thigh injury sustained in the previous match. This unfortunate development could well open the door for Arshdeep to step into the team.
Ashwin elaborated on the potential silver lining: “The way Arshdeep bowled, he proved again why we keep saying on this channel that Arshdeep is needed. Once more, he proved it. So, in many ways, if Hardik doesn’t play, India will have to play Arshdeep. For India, Hardik is necessary, but this is one of those situations where it could also be good, because Arshdeep will get played and can again show why he’s that important bowler for India.”
Beyond immediate selection, Ashwin also stressed the critical need to enhance the batting capabilities of India’s lower-order batsmen, looking ahead to the upcoming T20 World Cup. This dual approach aims to address both present team requirements and long-term squad development.
The seasoned spinner’s strong advocacy for Arshdeep arrives at a pivotal moment, as India prepares for the high-stakes final against Pakistan. The final team selection will undoubtedly weigh heavily on Hardik’s injury status and the strategic demand for reliable bowling options during critical death overs.
Arshdeep’s recent record-breaking feat – becoming the fastest Indian pace bowler to reach 100 wickets in only 64 matches – further bolsters his claim for selection, underscoring his proven effectiveness and consistent performance in limited-overs formats. The team management’s ultimate decision regarding Arshdeep’s inclusion could indeed be a game-changer in the grand finale, given his demonstrated ability to thrive under pressure and deliver in crucial match moments.