The Indian players are aware of the public sentiment surrounding their Asia Cup clash against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, but head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged them to focus on the big game, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Saturday.
In their opening match against the UAE, India went with a spin-heavy line-up, using three slow bowlers with Jasprit Bumrah as the only specialist seamer. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offered additional pace options, while left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh — India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals with 99 wickets in 63 matches — had to sit out.
Although the team management remains keen to stick with a winning combination, there were calls to bring back Arshdeep in India’s playing XI for the high-octane clash in Dubai. His return would strengthen the pace attack but might force India to drop Shivam Dube, who excelled with the ball against UAE in their campaign opener
Kuldeep, however, looks certain to retain his place after his four-wicket haul against the UAE, a spell that ripped through the opposition’s batting order. Chakaravarthy bowled just two overs for one wicket but has been a proven match-winner in UAE conditions, most notably during India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.
Ten Doeschate hinted that India are unlikely to make changes. “Unlikely to make changes. The biggest information takeaway is from when we played here in the Champions Trophy. We feel the wickets play differently, but the combination that played in the first game is the right set-up. The overriding principle is that we won’t risk our players who can slot into different positions, like Sanju,” he said.
The batting order is expected to remain unchanged. Abhishek Sharma will open with Shubman Gill, while captain Suryakumar Yadav is set to bat at number three. Tilak Varma offers flexibility in the top four, with Sanju Samson to keep wicket and steady the middle order alongside Pandya and Dube. Axar Patel provides depth and the option of a left-hander lower down, with the ability to be promoted if needed.
India’s predicted XI for Pakistan clash: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy
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