Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has said that Arshdeep Singh deserved a chance to be in the playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman on Friday, September 19. The veteran also felt that Bangar should feature in the playing XI if Jasprit Bumrah is given rest for the match in Abu Dhabi.

He told ESPNCricinfo: “Possibly, they could leave Jasprit Bumrah out for this match. Instead of him, Arshdeep Singh deserves a look-in. He has performed exceptionally well for India in T20 cricket. That is one change which I foresee. Apart from that, any other change looks difficult. One change seems enough. The hope is that other players get to play a lot more matches in the future”.

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“India have bowled first in both their matches so far. They could look to bat first if they win the toss against Oman. But the impression that Oman have left, they have left that with the ball. In the first match against Pakistan, they has restricted them to within a score of 160 bowling first. The batting has been a challenge for them, and they will need to put in a better performance in that department in this match,” he again said.

Sanjay Bangar also commented on Shivam Dube’s role in the T20I side. He felt that the team looked at him as the third pace bowling option and tried to make the most of his six-hitting ability as well.

“It is because he offers the medium-pace bowling option. The strategy that India have adopted, where Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are taking the new ball, then he’s been looked at as the third seamer. To maximise that option and his six-hitting ability, the way he played for CSK, even for India he’s performed well. I feel the team management is looking to give him a lot more exposure,” Sanjay Bangar concluded.