“Have You Considered Arshdeep?”- Irfan Pathan Questions India’s Playing XI Ahead Of IND vs PAK Super 4 Clash

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has questioned whether Arshdeep Singh will feature in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Pakistan. While Pathan stated that he would have included the left-arm pacer, he noted that Suryakumar Yadav and the team management appear to be considering a different approach.

India and Pakistan are set to face each other in the second Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, September 21. The first Super Four game at the same venue saw Bangladesh defeat Sri Lanka by four wickets a day earlier. During a discussion on Sony Sports, Pathan was asked about India’s potential bowling lineup for the high-profile clash.

“I will stick to my words, what I said before the start of the Asia Cup. I would want to see Arshdeep play with (Jasprit) Bumrah because a situation could come where you might need a second fast bowler. When the ball gets wet and you are under pressure, is Hardik’s (Pandya) strength bowling six yorkers, or can Shivam Dube bowl those yorkers consistently?” he responded.

“There will be a question there. That’s why, can you think about Arshdeep? However, it’s difficult to change a team that’s been playing and winning. You wouldn’t want to play a batter less as well. It’s a tough decision. I would have done differently, but the team is thinking differently,” the former India left-arm seamer added.

“Will They Play Arshdeep Or Add Another Batter?” – Abhishek Nayar

During the same discussion, former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar was questioned on whether India would stick with the same XI that featured in their first two Asia Cup 2025 matches.

“It seems like that. Varun Chakaravarthy will return. You will see that one change for sure. However, it will have to be seen whether they will play with Arshdeep or get in another batter. I feel they will have the same team that was playing earlier. You won’t see too many changes,” he replied.

The former India coach questioned if Arshdeep Singh is needed as a third seamer, given Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling contributions.

“Spin bowlers have had an impact in Dubai. Bumrah will return and Hardik, who is bowling well, is there. So do you need a third seamer? Dube hasn’t bowled badly at all thus far. He has played his role. He will definitely give you one or two overs. So, if you see the overall formation of that team, it’s right for these conditions,” Nayar observed.