Arshdeep Singh gets intense backing for Pakistan clash; Jasprit Bumrah ordered to sacrifice

Arshdeep Singh not being picked up in India's playing XI vs UAE has stirred up a massive controversy in the Asia Cup 2025.

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra lashed out at the India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar despite the team’s massive nine-wicket win over the UAE in their first Asia Cup 2025 game in Dubai on September 10.

The Men in Blue went with three spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy, leaving them with only one pace specialist in Jasprit Bumrah, with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube being supporting hands against the UAE on Sunday.

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Aakash Chopra questions India's tactics, demands Arshdeep Singh’s selection in the playing XI

However, this strategy worked, as they restricted the UAE to a paltry 57 runs inside 14 overs, and Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler with the stunning figures of 4/7 in 2.1 overs. Dube also got three wickets in his two overs while conceding only four runs.

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Later, the Men in Blue shot down the target in just 27 balls with nine wickets in hand to have a winning start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign. But Aakash Chopra was not happy with the playing XI selection as the preparations had begun for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Slamming Gautam Gambhir and the Indian think tank, the cricket pundit said that they are still stuck in a “Champions Trophy hangover” despite the conditions and the format having changed, and now they are preparing for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Aakash Chopra blasts ‘Champions Trophy Hangover’ in Gautam Gambhir's plans

Chopra questioned whether the team is truly picking its strongest eleven or simply relying on outdated plans. He boldly claimed that Ashdeep Singh was a much better option than Jasprit Bumrah, yet the left-arm pacer was forced to warm the bench against the UAE.

Aakash Chopra was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “I think it has a Champions Trophy hangover in this playing XI. That was March; that was dusty. I have never seen that square as dry as I saw it in March in Dubai. But this is September, and they have gone with the same tactic, albeit in a different format. Is that actually the way India is going to plan?

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With a jaw-dropping tally of 99 wickets in just 63 T20Is, Arshdeep’s record in T20 cricket outshines even Jasprit Bumrah’s. Given that, Chopra felt Arshdeep Singh should have been in the playing XI, saying the Men in Blue cannot afford to ignore him, especially when they could strengthen the team’s bowling attack.

Aakash Chopra says Arshdeep Singh deserves a place over Jasprit Bumrah

Chopra signed off by saying, “You have to pick your best team. Arshdeep Singh. 99 wickets, Arshdeep Singh has got more wickets and better numbers than Jasprit Bumrah in T20s for India.”

After the match, Indian captain Suryakumar revealed why Arshdeep Singh was not included in the playing XI. He explained that the pitch was slower, so they chose to play with three spinners instead of adding another fast bowler against the UAE.

The decision was purely based on the conditions. Notably, the Punjab lad had also warmed the bench in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the recent five-match Test series in England.