India may stick with the same XI against Pakistan, with Gill and Sharma opening, and Suryakumar possibly batting after Samson. Will India risk altering a winning combination?
Published: September 14, 2025 12:26 PM IST
New Delhi: The most controversial match of Asia Cup 2025 is now just a few hours away. India and Pakistan teams will face each other in Dubai on Sunday. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, in which 26 innocent tourists were killed, the demand for the boycott of this match had intensified. Many former cricketers and fans had appealed to the BCCI not to play the match against Pakistan, but after the permission of the central government, this match is now being played as per the schedule.
Strategic flexibility was seen in the last match
In the first match against UAE, India had decided to go with a very different combination. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill started the innings, while Suryakumar Yadav came at number three. Sanju Samson was included as wicketkeeper, while Shivam Dube got the role of all-rounder.
Spin attack showed strength
The team kept Arshdeep Singh out in this match and reposed faith in the spinners. Axar Patel was also given a chance along with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. Kuldeep took four wickets and Dube took three, due to which the UAE team was reduced to just 57 runs.
What will be the change against Pakistan?
Arshdeep Singh is likely to return in the match against Pakistan. However, both Dube and Kuldeep played brilliantly in the last match, so leaving one of them out will be a difficult decision for the team management.
Depth in batting became India’s strength
With the presence of Shivam Dube, India is getting additional depth in batting. With eight specialist batsmen in the team, the batting order remains strong. Therefore, it is believed that the team can go with the same playing eleven.
India’s Predicted XI against Pakistan
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
Story Highlights
- After the Pahalgam terror attack, there was a demand for the boycott of the India-Pak match
- The match is being played after BCCI got the permission of the government
- In the last match, India expressed confidence in spinners by keeping Arshdeep out
- India can go against Pakistan without any change
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