Akshay Thakur - Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025The Indian cricket team began the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2025 with a resounding victory over Pakistan. Their next match will be against Bangladesh, which will be played on Wednesday, September 24, at the Dubai International Stadium. India will look to secure another win and secure a place in the final. All eyes are on Suryakumar Yadav's playing 11.
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets. This was the second time the two teams had faced each other, and Pakistan had lost both times. Team India is facing Bangladesh for the first time in this tournament, so it needs to be cautious of this team. Everyone knows that Bangladesh has the potential to defeat India.
Jasprit Bumrah had a tough match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, conceding 45 runs in four overs without taking a wicket, especially leaking many runs in the powerplay. This was one of his rare off-days where he struggled with rhythm and control, failing to execute his usual yorkers and even bowling no-balls. Given this performance and considering that the team usually reserves him for big matches, India may choose to rest Bumrah in the upcoming match against Bangladesh. Bumrah is seen as a crucial player if India makes it to the final, so resting him now could help keep him fresh for crucial games.
If Bumrah is rested, Arshdeep Singh is almost certain to get a chance in the playing XI. Arshdeep, India’s most successful bowler in T20 Internationals, played only once against Oman in this tournament where he took a wicket and became the first Indian bowler to reach 100 wickets in T20Is. His inclusion promises a steady bowling option as India look to improve their pace attack.
Batting-wise, the Indian team remains largely unchanged. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill showed great dominance against the Pakistani bowlers with aggressive and impactful innings. However, the team's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is struggling with form, which has created some challenges for the team. Since taking over the captaincy, his batting performances have dipped, and Sanju Samson also failed to make a significant impact against Pakistan. The team management will be hoping these two explosive batsmen regain their rhythm soon.
Tilak Varma displayed his immense talent in the match against Pakistan but has had limited opportunities to bat so far in the tournament. Similarly, all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have not had many chances to showcase their skills with the bat in this Asia Cup. Both players, however, have been crucial in India's recent T20 successes, with their ability to contribute with both bat and ball. India will be eager to unleash these match-winners as the tournament progresses.
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh/Jasprit Bumrah.
