India’s optional training session on the eve of their Asia Cup match produced a striking visual. Gautam Gambhir, positioned just behind the nets, was seen giving detailed instructions to young pacer Harshit Rana during a lengthy batting stint. In contrast, Arshdeep Singh had a brief net session with noticeably less guidance from the head coach. The contrasting attention naturally fuels speculation about team selection for the upcoming fixture.
With India already qualified for the next stage and Oman knocked out of contention, rotation seems likely. Jasprit Bumrah could be rested, especially with another high-pressure clash against Pakistan looming the following day. This opens the door for either Harshit Rana, who has been waiting patiently for an opportunity, or Arshdeep Singh, who sits on the verge of a milestone with 99 T20I wickets.
Despite the relaxed build-up, India is not taking Oman lightly. Kuldeep Yadav addressed the media, emphasising the unpredictability of T20 cricket. “There are no small teams in this format. It’s a fast game, and conditions matter a lot. But our team has the experience to handle everything. We will try to maintain our intensity, no matter who the opponent is,” he said.
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Conditions could also play a role. Haris Rauf, reflecting on Pakistan’s game in Dubai, described batting as difficult there, but Abu Dhabi may offer better surfaces for stroke play. The spinners might have a reduced role, though India’s spin attack has been their most potent weapon in recent months. Since July 2024, no team has taken more wickets through spin than India, making Oman’s middle order particularly vulnerable. The forecast remains challenging—temperatures around 33 degrees with high humidity—which could test both stamina and decision-making.
India
Tilak Varma’s form against spin is another subplot. Against Pakistan, he managed 31 but looked uncomfortable against slower bowlers. His 2025 stats underline the issue—just one boundary every eight balls against spin, compared to one every five last year, with a strike rate under 59. It’s a soft spot Oman might look to exploit, even if India’s overall batting depth makes them overwhelming favorites.
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy
Oman
For Oman, this game is historic—it marks their first-ever meeting with India in any format. The Abu Dhabi crowd is expected to turn out in big numbers, making it a memorable stage for Oman despite the lack of stakes. Having suffered two heavy defeats already, the underdogs may treat this match as a free hit, an opportunity to test themselves against the reigning world champions without the burden of expectation.
Probable XI: Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Wasim Ali, Hassnain Shah, Shah Faisal, Aryan Bisht, Shakeel Ahmed, Samay Shrivastava, Jiten Ramanandi
