Arshdeep Singh set to play India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match? Check details

India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, Arshdeep Singh, was notably absent from the playing XI in the Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE on September 10. The team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, opted for a spin-heavy approach in the spin-friendly conditions of Dubai. As a result, India included only one specialist pacer—Jasprit Bumrah—while relying on Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube as the other pace-bowling options. The plan worked well against a fragile UAE side, who were bowled out for just 57 runs. However, this selection didn’t sit well with former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

Asia Cup 2025: Ravi Ashwin reacts to Arshdeep Singh not getting a spot in the India playing XI

Ashwin raised concerns over Arshdeep’s continued absence since Gambhir took charge, suggesting that leaving out a proven match-winner with such consistency is questionable. He believes that even in spin-friendly conditions, Arshdeep offers a valuable left-arm angle, swing with the new ball, and composure in the death overs. Ashwin stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced bowling unit, especially with tougher opponents ahead in the tournament. While India’s dominant win masked the potential risk of a limited pace attack, Ashwin’s remarks have sparked a wider discussion about selection strategy and the need to rotate key bowlers like Arshdeep to keep them match-ready.

"It's surprising that Arshdeep has been dropped, but it's not a new thing. Has been happening since Gautam Gambhir started coaching. Arshdeep did not play the entire Champions Trophy as well. It has been a bit of a theme. Maybe considering Dubai conditions, they are preferring spinners. When Gambhir won the title for KKR, he was also going all-out on spin,” stated former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. 

"This is the theme that we could see until the T20 World Cup. But I doubt this combination can work against a good team. It's quite risky. Arshdeep is a big performer. He was phenomenal in the World Cup against South Africa. To keep a man like that out for a very long time is going to be hard. I know Shivam Dube took a few wickets, but this is not a bowling combination I would be convinced with," he added. 

Arshdeep Singh has been consistently overlooked in recent months, having not featured in a single match since the home white-ball series against England. Despite being in the squad, he didn’t get an opportunity to play in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Additionally, he was benched throughout the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test series in England, missing out on what could have been a significant milestone — his Test debut.

With the crucial India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 in the Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in strong support of Arshdeep’s inclusion in the playing XI. Ashwin believes Arshdeep’s left-arm pace brings much-needed variety and balance to India’s bowling attack, especially in high-pressure games. He feels Arshdeep has the temperament to handle big-match situations and could prove to be captain Suryakumar Yadav’s key weapon, particularly when other bowlers are under pressure.

Ashwin also highlighted how Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate yorkers at the death gives India an edge, especially against a powerful Pakistan batting lineup. With conditions in Dubai often favoring pace early on, Ashwin’s backing further fuels debate around India’s team combination for this marquee encounter.

"The rest of the bowlers will be targeted, so you need a good bowler to get through those overs. The World Cup looks a bit far away now. But you never know, if you can't fix these combinations... Arshdeep is high quality and you have to play him," said Ashwin. 

Arshdeep Singh has proven to be a consistent performer for India in T20Is as seen in the cricket highlights, especially against arch-rivals Pakistan. In just four matches against them, the left-arm pacer has picked up seven wickets at an impressive average of 17.57, maintaining a tight economy rate of 7.25 runs per over. His ability to deliver under pressure and strike at key moments has made him a dependable option in high-stakes encounters.

At just 26, Arshdeep is already India's leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. He has featured in 63 matches, claiming 99 wickets at an outstanding average of 18.30. His tally includes two four-wicket hauls, reflecting his knack for breaking partnerships and turning games around. Despite his strong credentials, the pacer has been left out of recent playing XIs, raising eyebrows among fans and experts alike. With such numbers, his return to the squad seems only a matter of time.