Asia Cup 2025- Sunil Gavaskar's India 11 OUT
Published - 06 Sep 2025, 12:34 PM | Updated - 06 Sep 2025, 01:20 PM
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With just days to go before the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on September 9 in the UAE, the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has raised eyebrows with his bold take on the playing XI. The India National Cricket Team has a tough task on hand to finalize the match-winning combination.
It will be a real challenge for the Indian think tank to pick the right Playing XI from their 15-member squad, and Gavaskar also admitted the challenge for the Asia Cup 2025.
Sunil Gavaskar predicts tough decisions for India’s Playing XI at Asia Cup 2025
Notably, the Indian cricket team will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 10 against the UAE, followed by the big game with the archrivals Pakistan on September 15, and then Oman on September 19 to finish their group leg of the event.
As the Men in Blue have already embarked on their mission to defend their Asia Cup title in the UAE, the former Indian captain has made a bold statement. Gavaskar believes that the balance of the team could force either Rinku Singh or Shivam Dube to sit out in the continental tournament.
The legendary batter and seasoned cricket pundit further went on to suggest that the combination of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav in the spin department, along with Harshit Rana as the specialist pacer, will give India the right mix of attack and stability in the tournament.
Sunil Gavaskar predicts Rinku Singh or Shivam Dube could miss out
Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying by PTI: “With Axar Patel also likely to play on this side as a left-hander and somebody who can bowl four good overs, it looks like somebody like Rinku and Shivam might have to wait a bit before they get an opportunity.
My feeling is that they might not extend the batting to No. 8 and look for the bowlers, maybe Kuldeep at 8 and then 9, 10, and 11, your 3 fast bowlers.”
Speaking about their performances, Rinku Singh has so far played 33 T20Is for the Men in Blue and piled up 546 runs, with his highest score being an unbeaten 69. The attacking batter’s ability to finish games and play under pressure has often made him a crowd favorite.
On the other hand, Shivam Dube has so far scored 531 runs, with a top score of 63 not out in 35 T20I games. His clean hitting and strength against spinners make him a dangerous option, especially in the middle overs. However, they can lean towards Dube due to his bowling assistance.
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Sunil Gavaskar calls Sanju Samson vs Jitesh Sharma a “Pleasant Headache” for selectors
Additionally, there is a big question about who will take the gloves, Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma. Both Samson and Jitesh bring firepower with the bat and skill behind the stumps, but only one can fit into the playing XI, and Gavaskar called it a “pleasant headache” for the team.
The former Indian captain further noted that the Indian cricket team can't leave Sanju Samson out in the reserves after selecting him in the main squad. Gavaskar said that having such talented players in the team is a “very good headache” for any selection committee.
He even suggested that Samson must bat at number three, and if needed, he should finish the games at number six in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Gavaskar signed off by saying, “And Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL, where he's played exceedingly well. So yes, I think it's a pleasant headache for the tour selection committee.”
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