'They won't play him' - Aakash Chopra predicts star India bowler's inclusion in playing XI ahead of clash against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

Aakash Chopra believes India could drop pacer Arshdeep Singh for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, favouring spinners on Dubai’s turning pitches.

Aakash Chopra (Image Credit: X)

The build-up to every India–Pakistan encounter is loaded with excitement, and the Asia Cup 2025 is no different. Ahead of the blockbuster clash in Dubai, cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has weighed in on India’s team combination, hinting that young pacer Arshdeep Singh may not find a place in the playing XI.

According to Chopra, the pitches at the Dubai venue have shown more assistance to spinners than fast bowlers so far. The tracks have been slightly dry and on the slower side, making stroke play difficult against quality spin. This, he feels, could push the team management towards relying on a spin-dominant bowling attack rather than stacking up pacers.

India experimented with their resources in the opening fixture of the tournament and still managed a comfortable victory. Chopra suggested that going with just one frontline seamer, backed by all-rounders and a strong spin unit, could be India’s best bet against Pakistan’s batting order. While Jasprit Bumrah is expected to spearhead the pace attack, the spin department could feature names like Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel.

“I think they won't play him. They will think about him for sure, but they won't play him, although it's slightly surprising in a sense, because when T20s started, it was being said that the fast bowlers were dominant, and why spinners were being kept. Then spinners started pulling their weight in the format,” said Aakash Chopra.

Should Arshdeep Singh be included in playing XI?

For Arshdeep, it might mean sitting out despite being in good form. Chopra reasoned that while the left-arm pacer brings variety and control in the death overs, the conditions may not justify picking him over an additional spinner. In a high-pressure clash against Pakistan, every decision counts, and India may look to maximise their strength in the middle overs where spinners can strangle the scoring rate.

However, Chopra also hinted at the risk of going too spin-heavy. If conditions change under lights or if dew makes an appearance, India could find themselves short of options in the pace department. This tactical call, he noted, would require careful consideration from the management, balancing immediate needs with long-term tournament strategy.

Also read: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025: How to watch in India?

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