India’s depth in cricket talent is both a blessing and a challenge. As the Asia Cup 2025 progresses, one name that continues to be debated is Arshdeep Singh, the talented left-arm pacer who is currently serving as a backup player for India. Despite being one of the best bowlers in T20Is, Arshdeep has not featured in the playing XI for the first two games of the tournament, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan in Dubai.
Arshdeep Singh’s Impact on the Game
Arshdeep Singh, who became the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in T20Is during India’s clash with Oman on September 19, is widely regarded as one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl yorkers under pressure and his knack for picking up wickets in crucial moments make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Despite his stellar form and reputation, the 26-year-old has found himself on the bench in the opening games of the Asia Cup, with questions arising about his role going forward. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, however, has made it clear that he would prefer to see Arshdeep in action, especially given the challenges India could face in tight matches.
Irfan Pathan’s Call for Arshdeep to Play
Irfan Pathan believes that India would be better off with Arshdeep playing alongside Jasprit Bumrah, particularly in high-pressure situations, such as the death overs. According to Pathan, neither Hardik Pandya nor Shivam Dube can be relied upon to consistently bowl yorkers under pressure, especially when the ball is wet.
“I will stick to my words, what I said before the start of the Asia Cup. I would want to see Arshdeep play with Bumrah because a situation could come where you might need a second fast bowler,” Pathan told the Times of India.
Despite Pathan’s endorsement of Arshdeep’s skills, he acknowledged that it would be tough for the team management to make changes to a winning combination. India’s spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel—have been in excellent form, and introducing Arshdeep into the playing XI could mean leaving out a batter, which could disrupt the balance of the team.
Balancing Team Dynamics and Arshdeep’s Potential Role
India’s team management faces a dilemma. While Arshdeep offers a unique skill set, especially at the death, making changes to a winning lineup could backfire. The team’s spinners have been impeccable, and dropping one of them for a pacer like Arshdeep is not an easy decision. Moreover, India would have to make sure that they don’t reduce their batting depth, something that could be risky in high-stakes encounters.
In conclusion, while Arshdeep Singh’s quality and potential are undeniable, his place in India’s starting XI for the Super Four stage remains uncertain. It will be interesting to see if the team management decides to go with a more aggressive pace attack or sticks with the winning combination that has already brought them success in the Asia Cup.
