IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025: India playing XI to go unchanged in the Pakistan clash?
Dinesh Karthik weighed in on India's team selection for their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE, defending the inclusion of Shivam Dube over frontline pacer Arshdeep Singh. According to Karthik, this move reflects head coach Gautam Gambhir’s vision of aggressive, fearless cricket. He explained that selecting Dube adds depth to the batting lineup, providing India the cushion to maintain their attacking approach throughout the innings—something that has become a hallmark of Gambhir’s tenure so far. The decision to field only one specialist fast bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, while relying on seam-bowling all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Dube, raised a few eyebrows among fans and cricket pundits.
However, the strategy seems designed to strengthen India’s lower-order batting without compromising too much on bowling depth. Karthik pointed out that this flexible setup enables India to bat deep, allowing someone like Axar Patel—who famously batted at No. 5 during the T20 World Cup 2024 final—to slot in as low as No. 8. Such depth offers the team freedom to play with more intent at the top of the order, knowing that firepower remains in the tank. Overall, the move is seen as a calculated risk aimed at maximizing India’s chances in high-stakes matches.
"Whoever I add in isn't going to add much in terms of what this team could be doing. Let's say for example you put an Arshdeep Singh in place of Shivam Dube. Yes, he will give you a little bit more with the ball but that little bit is not worth what Shivam Dube gives me with the bat. It is not Shivam Dube in isolation. It's what the team can do having that extra batter. So the whole batting approach changes," stated former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik.
Since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach, Team India has shown remarkable consistency, winning 14 out of 16 T20Is. Dinesh Karthik praised the team’s dominant run, highlighting how the aggressive, fearless approach has become their new identity. He emphasized that this style of play demands batting depth, which is why the team is opting for lineups packed with batting options. Karthik also noted that India appears to have a clear and well-defined game plan in both departments—batting and bowling. With this strong and structured foundation, he believes the team is shaping up well ahead of the T20 World Cup next year, making their current form and mindset a very positive sign for the road ahead.
"I like this because of the way they play now, which is high intensity and high octane cricket, taking huge risks at the top and irrespective of the situation, going at a certain pace. And if you want to tick all those boxes, you need that extra batter. India are a strong team in the lead up to this World Cup because they know what they want to do. They have a clear blueprint with bat and ball and they stick to it, which is always a good sign six months before a World Cup," Karthik concluded.
India is all set to face arch-rivals Pakistan in match number 6 of the ongoing 2025 Asia Cup. The high-voltage clash will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Both teams will look to assert dominance and gain momentum in the tournament, making this encounter a crucial one. With fan anticipation at an all-time high, the match promises intense action, top-class performances, and high stakes.
