Arshdeep Singh was left out of India’s playing XI for their opening game against the UAE. The Indian pacer is also expected to sit out India’s next match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that the team is unlikely to make any changes for the high-profile clash.
In the tournament opener, India surprisingly opted for just one frontline pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, supported by seam-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. The spin department was led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, with Axar Patel providing additional support.
Arshdeep Singh absence sparked widespread discussion on social media, especially since he is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 99 scalps to his name.
India Unlikely to Make Changes Ahead of Pakistan Clash, Says Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate
During the pre-match press conference ahead of the India vs Pakistan encounter, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stated that the Suryakumar Yadav-led side is unlikely to alter their playing XI.
Arshdeep Singh: “We are unlikely to make any changes,” he told PTI.
Earlier, on Friday (September 12), India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had mentioned that the final playing XI would be decided after assessing the Dubai pitch, with the captain and coach making the ultimate call.
Arshdeep Singh: India’s bowlers were in dominant form against the UAE, restricting them to just 57 runs in the first innings. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav starred with four wickets, earning the Player of the Match award, while all-rounder Shivam Dube took three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each. India went on to defeat the UAE by nine wickets, topping Group A with two points.
Arshdeep Singh: India will now face Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan had beaten Oman by 93 runs in their opening match on Friday, September 12.