India playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 final vs Pakistan announced; Player of the Match predicted

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will take on Pakistan for the third time in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has shared his selection for India’s playing XI ahead of the high-profile clash against their archrivals.

The Men in Blue have been the best team in the Asia Cup so far, winning every match, including both encounters against Pakistan. The Men in Blue are likely to field their strongest XI for the final, as team management has downplayed concerns over minor injuries some players sustained in the previous game.

Parthiv Patel Picks India Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 Final

Parthiv Patel stated that India would open with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who have consistently provided strong starts in the powerplay. Abhishek has scored 309 runs at an average of 51.50 with a strike rate of 204.63.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Patel backed Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (if fit), and Axar Patel for the middle order, with Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper-batter. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that positions could be flexible depending on the situation.

Patel included Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy in the bowling department. He ignored Shivam Dube, who had faced 18 deliveries while batting. However, Dube has taken five wickets at an average of 15.60 and an economy of 7.80.

Only Two Players Are Set in that Order - Parthiv Patel

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Parthiv Patel said that Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill would open. Patel named seven batting options and four specialist bowlers, unlike India, which relied on batting depth in most of the matches.

"The way our batting is going, only two players are set in that order - Abhishek and Gill. Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep, Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Varun," Patel said.

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

Parthiv Patel Backs Shubman Gill for Player of the Match in Asia Cup 2025 Final

Parthiv Patel stated that Shubman Gill would shine in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. Patel predicted that Gill would become the ‘Player of the Match.’ He noted that Gill and Abhishek Sharma are likely to get the most opportunities to make a significant impact.

"I think Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will have the most opportunities because they play at the top. I think Shubman Gill can be the player of the match," Patel added.

Gill has had a mixed Asia Cup 2025 so far, scoring 115 runs across six matches at an average of 23 and a strike rate of 155.40. While his overall form has been below expectations, he scored 47 off 28 balls against Pakistan in the Super 4 clash.

The right-handed batter will likely be confident about replicating such a match-winning performance in the final against the same team.

Also read: Pakistan captain reminds Suryakumar Yadav of war in response to 'No Rivalry' comment