Ashwin Backs Arshdeep Singh as Surprise Hero for India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Clash
Cricket fans are buzzing with excitement as India gears up for a high-stakes showdown against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could emerge as the unexpected star for Team India, especially after sitting out the opener against UAE.
The India vs Pakistan match always steals the spotlight in tournaments like the Asia Cup, thanks to no bilateral series between the two sides since 2013. This time, the rivalry feels even more intense amid recent tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attacks in April and India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-backed terror groups. Fans and players alike are keeping a close eye on the action.
Arshdeep, who’s just one wicket away from becoming the first Indian to hit 100 T20I scalps, didn’t get a game in India’s nine-wicket thrashing of UAE. The team went with a spin-heavy attack, featuring Kuldeep Yadav’s stunning 4/7, alongside Varun Chakravarthy. Jasprit Bumrah led the pace department, with all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipping in. Spin all-rounders Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma rounded out a winning combo.
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin shared his thoughts on the Asia Cup 2024 lineup. "Everyone in the Indian team has been firing on all cylinders—top to bottom, it’s a solid unit," he said. "Not many surprises left from the playing XI. But Tilak Varma could be one if he gets a chance to bat. I really hope the real wildcard comes from the bench: Arshdeep Singh. No one expects him to play, which makes it perfect."
Ashwin also urged India to stick with their batting order. "The pitch has some spice in it, so don’t tinker," he advised. "Abhishek Sharma will attack from the word go—he won’t back down. Pakistan struggles against spin with the bat. If they go all-out aggressive, they’ll be in deep trouble against this Indian side."
India started strong with that easy win over UAE, while Pakistan notched a 93-run victory against Oman on Friday. Both teams are eyeing a strong run in the Asia Cup.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
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