Arshdeep Singh IN, Shivam Dube OUT! India’s playing XI vs Pakistan for Asia Cup final announced

Former opener and 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth has picked Team India’s playing XI for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 final clash against Pakistan. In a notable change from India’s lineups in previous matches, Srikkanth opted to drop Shivam Dube while including Arshdeep Singh in his playing XI.

India are set to face Pakistan for the third time in the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, September 28. The Men in Blue, who remain unbeaten so far, have already defeated Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan side twice in the tournament, winning by seven wickets in the Group A match and by six wickets in the Super Fours.

Kris Srikkanth Picks India's Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 Final

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth stated that the team management must include Arshdeep Singh in place of Shivam Dube in the playing XI. Srikkanth added that the team should have seven specialist batters, with Kuldeep Yadav, who is capable of scoring quick runs, at No. 8.

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"I'll play Arshdeep Singh instead of Shivam Dube. Shivam Dube is not going to even an opportunity to bat. I'll play with only seven batters. Kuldeep will bat at No. 8. He is not a rabbit at No. 8. At 8, you don't need a 20 or a 50. All you need is a boundary and a six and around 10 runs, which Kuldeep Yadav is capable of scoring," Srikkanth said.

India have opted to bat deep with just three specialist bowlers in most of their Asia Cup 2025 matches. Arshdeep Singh, India’s all-time leading T20I wicket-taker, has remained on the bench for four of the six games played so far.

India is going to Win - Kris Srikkanth on Asia Cup Final

Kris Srikkanth said that Shivam Dube performed well with the ball in the tournament. He added that he is confident India will emerge victorious in the final, regardless of the players selected.

"Yes, Dube has delivered brilliantly with the ball. He was the one who picked up two crucial wickets against the same Pakistan last match. Anyway, for this match, irrespective of who plays, be it Ram or Raavan, India are going to win," Srikkanth added.

Dube has faced just 18 deliveries throughout the campaign but has made a notable impact with the ball. He has taken five wickets, including a game-changing spell against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage, at an average of 15.60 and an economy rate of 7.80.

Kris Srikkanth's Team India playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 final: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

Hardik Pandya’s Injury Raises Doubts Ahead of Asia Cup Final

All-rounder Hardik Pandya left the field after bowling just one over against Sri Lanka on September 26 due to discomfort in his left thigh. While Team India’s management is monitoring him, it remains unclear whether he will be fit for the final.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel described the issue as a cramp, while other players, including Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, are also managing minor niggles.

India have dominated Pakistan since their 2022 Asia Cup loss, winning seven consecutive matches across formats and their last four T20Is against them. Notably, this will be the first-ever India-Pakistan final in the tournament’s history.

Also read: PCB to fight ICC over punishment imposed on Haris Rauf ahead of Asia Cup 2025 final