Should Arshdeep Singh play? Irfan Pathan questions India's plans for Pakistan clash

NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised a crucial question ahead of the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday — should Arshdeep Singh return to the playing XI?

During a discussion on Sony Sports, Pathan underlined the importance of having the left-arm quick as a partner for Jasprit Bumrah, stressing that conditions could make his role vital.

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"I will stick to my words, what I said before the start of the Asia Cup. I would want to see Arshdeep play with (Jasprit) Bumrah because a situation could come where you might need a second fast bowler," Pathan explained. "When the ball gets wet and you are under pressure, is Hardik's (Pandya) strength bowling six yorkers, or can Shivam Dube bowl those yorkers consistently?"
The former seamer admitted that the team management sees things differently but maintained that Arshdeep deserves consideration. "There will be a question there. That's why, can you think about Arshdeep? However, it's difficult to change a team that's been playing and winning. You wouldn't want to play a batter less as well. It's a tough decision. I would have done differently, but the team is thinking differently," he said.

Arshdeep was left out of India’s XI in their seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the group stage. He got a chance in the final group game against Oman, picking up 1 for 37 in four overs. With surfaces in Dubai offering grip and aiding spinners, skipper Suryakumar Yadav is again expected to back his slow-bowling trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy.



Yet, as the stakes rise in the Super Four stage, Pathan’s words hang heavy: the debate over India’s pace balance could well decide whether the Men in Blue can tighten their grip on another Pakistan clash or leave themselves exposed if conditions change.

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