Cricket veteran R Ashwin is making a compelling case for the inclusion of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in India’s playing eleven for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan in Dubai this Sunday. Ashwin’s advocacy follows Arshdeep’s stellar performance in the recent Super Over against Sri Lanka and his remarkable achievement of becoming the fastest pace bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets in just 64 matches. Despite these impressive feats, Arshdeep has found it challenging to secure a consistent spot, largely due to India’s preference for a spin-heavy bowling attack.
[Image: Arshdeep Singh in a match, demonstrating his powerful bowling action. Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images]
Arshdeep truly showcased his immense talent and composure in his second outing of the tournament. In a thrilling Super Over against Sri Lanka, the 26-year-old Punjab seamer was absolutely brilliant, conceding a mere two runs and snatching two crucial wickets, thereby clinching a nail-biting victory for India with a ball to spare.
Even with such remarkable performances, Arshdeep’s consistent inclusion in the playing eleven has been difficult. This is mainly because India typically favors the frontline pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, alongside a dominant spin strategy.
Ashwin didn’t mince words on his YouTube channel, ‘Ash ki Baat’. “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,” he declared passionately. He further argued, “How many runs will the number 8 batsman make? Not too many, and you don’t need that many. For the World Cup in six months, we need to actively work on the batting skills of players like Arshdeep and Varun Chakravarthy. Jasprit Bumrah already has a decent bat swing, but our batting coach must dedicate more time to these guys.”
This urgent debate gains even more relevance given the uncertainty surrounding Hardik Pandya’s fitness. A thigh injury sustained in the previous match has put his availability for the final in doubt, potentially paving a clear path for Arshdeep to join the squad.
“The way Arshdeep bowled,” Ashwin elaborated, “he once again proved exactly why we’ve been advocating for his inclusion on this channel. If Hardik doesn’t play, India will essentially be compelled to select Arshdeep. While Hardik is undoubtedly crucial, this scenario could unexpectedly benefit India by allowing Arshdeep to step up and further demonstrate his indispensable value to the team.”
Beyond the immediate final, Ashwin also underscored the long-term strategic importance of enhancing the batting prowess of India’s lower-order batsmen, particularly with the upcoming T20 World Cup in mind. This dual-pronged approach aims to address both current team selection challenges and future squad development.
Ashwin’s passionate plea for Arshdeep’s spot couldn’t come at a more critical juncture. As India gears up for the high-stakes final against Pakistan, the team’s composition hinges significantly on Hardik’s injury updates and the pressing need for reliable death-over bowling options.
Arshdeep’s recent record-breaking feat – becoming the quickest Indian pacer to reach 100 T20I wickets in just 64 matches – undeniably bolsters his claim for a spot. It serves as a testament to his consistent performance and effectiveness in the fast-paced format.
Ultimately, the team management’s choice regarding Arshdeep’s playing status could be a game-changer in the final, given his proven knack for delivering under immense pressure and his knack for producing match-winning moments.