As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, the Indian cricket team, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, faces a challenging task in finalizing the playing XI for their opening match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10. The defending champions boast a star-studded squad with immense depth across batting, bowling, and all-round capabilities. However, the limitation of selecting only 11 players presents significant selection dilemmas for Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The match against UAE, while seemingly straightforward given the opposition’s relatively weaker standing, is pivotal in setting the tone for India’s campaign. The team must strike a balance between top-order stability, middle-order firepower, finishing prowess, and bowling versatility. This article delves into the three primary selection puzzles facing the Indian team management, as highlighted in recent discussions, and explores the strategic considerations for the UAE clash.
Sanju Samson vs. Jitesh Sharma – The Wicketkeeping Conundrum
One of the most debated selection decisions revolves around the choice between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma for the wicketkeeper-batter role. Sanju Samson, the Kerala-based keeper-batter, has been a standout performer as an opener in T20 Internationals (T20Is) over the past year. His remarkable form includes three T20I centuries in 2024, making him the only Indian to achieve this feat in the format. Additionally, his recent exploits in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025, where he smashed a 42-ball century, underline his explosive batting prowess. However, the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I setup has disrupted Samson’s role as an opener. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has made it clear that Gill, now the team’s vice-captain, will open alongside Abhishek Sharma, pushing Samson down the order.
This shift poses a challenge for Samson, who has limited experience batting in the middle order in T20Is or even in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His primary success has come as an opener or at number three, a position likely to be occupied by Tilak Varma, who has impressed with two consecutive T20I centuries in South Africa. The question for Yadav and Gambhir is whether Samson can adapt to a middle-order role, potentially at number five or six, where India needs a finisher.
In contrast, Jitesh Sharma emerges as a strong contender for the middle-order wicketkeeping slot. Jitesh, who played a pivotal role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL 2025 title-winning campaign, amassed 261 runs in 15 games at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate exceeding 175. His ability to deliver impactful cameos in the lower order makes him a natural fit for the finisher’s role at number six. Statistical analysis from their IPL performances at number six further tilts the scales in Jitesh’s favor. While Samson has a modest strike rate of 102.56 in six matches at this position, Jitesh boasts an impressive 168.75 across 16 games, highlighting his effectiveness as a closer.
Adding to the complexity, there are concerns about Samson’s fitness. During India’s training sessions in Dubai, Samson was absent from fielding drills on Day 2 and had a brief batting stint in the nets, raising questions about his physical condition. This uncertainty, coupled with his inexperience in the middle order, may lead Yadav to favor Jitesh, whose clarity of role and recent form make him a tactical choice for the UAE game.
To Play Jasprit Bumrah or Not?
The inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah in India’s Asia Cup squad has sparked debate, given his status as a Test cricket asset and his limited T20I appearances since the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Bumrah’s selection reflects the selectors’ intent to counter criticism about his selective participation in matches. However, the decision to play him against a relatively weaker UAE side is a strategic conundrum for Yadav.
Bumrah’s workload management has been a topic of discussion, especially after his injury setbacks and focus on Test cricket in 2025. With only three Test matches played against England in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, resting him for the UAE match could preserve his energy for high-stakes encounters, such as the anticipated clash against Pakistan. India’s pace bowling resources are robust, with Arshdeep Singh set to lead the attack and Hardik Pandya capable of contributing as a second pacer. Additionally, Harshit Rana, despite an average IPL 2025 season with 15 wickets in 13 games, has been backed by the team management as a potential third seamer.
Playing Rana against UAE offers a low-pressure opportunity for the young pacer to prove his worth and silence critics. The Dubai pitch, known for assisting spin more than pace, further supports the case for limiting the number of fast bowlers. A combination of Arshdeep, Hardik, and spin options like Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel could suffice against UAE, allowing Bumrah to be rested for more critical matches. This approach aligns with India’s long-term strategy to manage Bumrah’s workload while testing emerging talent.
The Rinku Singh-Shivam Dube Conundrum
The final selection puzzle involves choosing between Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube for the finisher’s role, likely at number six or seven, depending on Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion. Both players are renowned for their ability to clear the ropes in the death overs, but only one can make the playing XI. Their recent form and additional skills add layers to this decision.
Shivam Dube’s IPL 2025 performance was moderate, with 357 runs at a decent average but lacking the consistency of previous seasons. However, his ability to bowl medium pace provides India with an extra bowling option, which could be valuable if the team opts for a spin-heavy attack. Dube’s net sessions in Dubai showed him bowling at full tilt, suggesting that the team management sees him as a genuine all-rounder.
Rinku Singh, on the other hand, had a relatively underwhelming IPL 2025, scoring 206 runs. However, he regained his touch in the UP T20 League 2025, including a century, reinforcing his reputation as one of India’s premier finishers. His inclusion in the squad was driven by the selectors’ desire for batting depth, but his lack of bowling ability puts him at a slight disadvantage compared to Dube. In the IPL, Rinku’s strike rate at number six (137.79) is impressive but falls short of Jitesh Sharma’s, which may further complicate his case if Jitesh is selected as the wicketkeeper.
The Dubai pitch conditions will play a crucial role in this decision. If the surface favors spin, as is often the case in the UAE, India may not need Dube’s bowling, tilting the balance toward Rinku’s superior finishing skills. However, if the team prioritizes flexibility, Dube’s all-round capabilities could give him the edge.
Strategic Considerations for the UAE Match
While UAE is not considered a formidable opponent, India cannot afford complacency, as the hosts have pulled off upsets against stronger teams like South Africa and Afghanistan in familiar conditions. The match serves as a platform to fine-tune India’s combination ahead of tougher challenges, particularly against Pakistan in the group stage and potential Super 4 encounters. The team management must weigh the benefits of fielding a full-strength XI against the need to test bench strength and manage key players’ workloads.
A likely playing XI could feature Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers, followed by Tilak Varma at number three and Suryakumar Yadav at four. Hardik Pandya at five, Jitesh Sharma at six, and Axar Patel at seven would provide batting depth and all-round flexibility. The bowling attack could comprise Arshdeep Singh as the lone pacer, supported by spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, with Hardik Pandya as the second seamer. This lineup balances experience, form, and adaptability while resting Bumrah and potentially excluding Samson and Rinku.
Looking Ahead
Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir face a delicate balancing act in selecting India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 opener against UAE. The Sanju Samson vs. Jitesh Sharma debate hinges on middle-order adaptability and finishing prowess, with Jitesh’s recent form and role clarity giving him a slight edge. The decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah reflects a strategic focus on workload management and testing emerging pacers like Harshit Rana. Finally, the Rinku Singh-Shivam Dube conundrum underscores the need for a finisher who aligns with the team’s tactical requirements and pitch conditions. As India aims to defend their Asia Cup title, the UAE match will set the stage for their campaign, offering insights into the team’s strategy and depth for the tournament ahead.
