India's Playing XI vs Pakistan announced; key Arshdeep Singh decision taken

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra predicted that Arshdeep Singh will not be part of India’s playing XI for their high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, as the conditions in Dubai favor spinners over fast bowlers.

After warming the bench throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Arshdeep Singh was also rested in India’s opening match against the UAE on September 10 in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, where the Men in Blue won by nine wickets in Dubai.

Aakash Chopra predicts Arshdeep Singh will sit out against Pakistan in Dubai

Well, Chopra has pointed out that Dubai’s slightly dusty pitches and lack of dew mean the ball won’t skid much, giving spinners a clear advantage. He reckoned that the Men in Blue are expected to continue with their spin attack featuring Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel to pick wickets in the early overs, especially before the 16th over against Pakistan.

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Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, "I think they won't play him. They will think about him for sure, but they won't play him, although it's slightly surprising in a sense, because when T20s started, it was being said that the fast bowlers were dominant, and spinners were being kept. Then spinners started pulling their weight in the format.”

He further explained, “However, slowly-slowly, we have reached a stage where we are saying that all spinners can be played. Dew is not coming here, something everyone was wary of. The pitches are looking slightly dusty. It doesn't seem like the ball is skidding. If it's not skidding, the pitches are dusty, and dew is not coming, the spinners are more dominant.”

Arshdeep Singh will be crucial for the T20 World Cup 2026: Aakash Chopra

The cricket pandit believes that India may use only one frontline pacer at the Asia Cup 2025, but they will need Arshdeep Singh in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where pitches and dew conditions may require two quality seamers alongside Jasprit Bumrah.

He pointed out that some cricket teams don’t have very good fast bowlers who are that good, but the Men in Blue have that luxury, so the Men in Blue couldn’t overlook Arshdeep for an upgraded spinner, and he feels the team will need the Punjab lad in the big tournaments.

Chopra signed off by saying, “It's not ideal, as who will you get to bowl the death overs? What will happen if dew comes? The World Cup is in February-March. Chances of dew will be very high in a February-March World Cup, and you might need two fast bowlers. I feel we will need an Arshdeep Singh.”

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Social Media backlash shakes India ahead of Pakistan clash

As the countdown begins for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, the Indian cricket team is facing unexpected pressure off the field. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, and other players have reportedly been left unsettled by the intensity of social media campaigns urging fans to boycott the India vs Pakistan match at the Asia Cup 2025.

The younger members of the squad, who are active on social platforms, have been particularly affected by the constant negative chatter online. The Indian team’s focus is now being tested before they even step onto the field.