India’s team selection for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan has already sparked debates, with head coach Gautam Gambhir making a bold call by leaving out Arshdeep Singh from the Playing XI. Despite Hardik Pandya being ruled out with a hamstring injury, Gambhir has opted to go with Shivam Dube as the second pacer alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
The much-anticipated final marks the first knockout clash between India and Pakistan since the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final. It is also the first time the arch-rivals are contesting an Asia Cup final together, raising expectations and emotions on both sides of the border.
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Arshdeep Singh, India’s most successful T20I bowler in recent years, has often found himself on the sidelines under Gambhir’s tenure. His omission is even more surprising given his performance in India’s previous game against Sri Lanka, where he bowled a brilliant 19th over and followed it up with a sensational Super Over to seal victory. Many felt that his ability to deliver under pressure made him an automatic choice for the final.
Instead, Gambhir’s decision to trust Shivam Dube with the new ball has divided opinions. While Dube adds batting depth, questions remain about his consistency with the ball, especially against Pakistan’s powerful top order. Fans have voiced their frustration on social media, accusing Gambhir of sidelining Arshdeep despite his proven match-winning ability.
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Meanwhile, Rinku Singh comes in to replace Hardik Pandya, who walked off injured during India’s previous match. Rinku, known for his finishing skills, is expected to provide the late-innings firepower India will need in a high-pressure clash.
With India relying heavily on Bumrah as the lone specialist pacer, Gambhir’s selection gamble could either pay off spectacularly or backfire in the most crucial game of the tournament.
India want to strengthen their batting and that’s why they have decided to go with Rinku Singh as Hardik Pandya’s replacement.
Many would argue that Arshdeep Singh should have been picked but it’s clear that
Gambhir and Surya want batting depth.#AsiaCupFinal #indvspak2025 pic.twitter.com/PH1axFg3g6
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) September 28, 2025
Strange that Arshdeep Singh is not playing in the absence of Hardik – strange team selection. We are going for batting depth with Rinku getting a chance. I hope it doesn’t change anything for us. 🤞
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) September 28, 2025
Gautam Gambhir’s Idiotic Decision to Bench Arshdeep Singh…
Arshdeep is India’s top T20 pacer. He was India’s leading wicket-taker. He’s destroyed Pakistan before, like in the 2022 Asia Cup.
-No excuse to drop him, especially with Hardik out. Hardik Pandya is injured and… pic.twitter.com/YfwA0ON53t
— Ankur Kashyap (@ankurs000) September 28, 2025
Meet this clueless and pathetic coach Gautam Gambhir 🤡
– Hardik Pandya is injured no second pacer
– Anyone would have played Arshdeep
– This guy preferred Rinku as an extra batter
– We now have only 5 bowlers ( With Shivam Dube as a part timer) pic.twitter.com/wN9ME6bFS4— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) September 28, 2025
Feel for Arshdeep Singh 😭 — he single-handedly won India the match vs Sri Lanka with magical Super Over & 19th over bowling…
And now he’s not even playing in the IND vs PAK Asia Cup Final on a flat wicket 💔
This breaks every Indian fan’s heart 💔🇮🇳 #indvspak2025 pic.twitter.com/t1KMnm2lc9— BaklolCricker (@BaklolCricker) September 28, 2025
