Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah once again showcased why he remains India’s most reliable weapon in white-ball cricket, delivering a searing yorker that sent UAE opener Alishan Sharafu’s stumps flying during their Asia Cup 2025 clash. The delivery not only silenced the home crowd but also marked Bumrah’s first white-ball wicket in over a year, underlining his return to top form.
India surprised many by fielding just one frontline pacer—Bumrah—reflecting the immense trust placed in his skills. However, the decision to bench Arshdeep Singh, India’s most successful T20I bowler in recent months, has sparked debate. Head coach Gautam Gambhir opted for extra batting depth, including Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, while relying on an all-round bowling approach.
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Suryakumar Yadav, captaining the side, handed the new ball to Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. While Pandya and spinners Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy bowled just an over each in the powerplay, Bumrah completed a fiery three-over spell, keeping UAE batters on edge. His pinpoint yorker to Sharafu epitomized his craft, dipping sharply toward off-stump to shatter the wickets and give India early momentum.
Jasprit Bumrah and knocking stumps over — name a better combo 💥
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India’s spin-heavy attack then took charge, with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar, and Varun tightening the screws. Kuldeep’s presence alongside the all-round duo of Axar and Pandya gives India balance, even with a single specialist pacer.
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Interestingly, Shivam Dube found a place in the XI ahead of Rinku Singh, with the team valuing his ability to chip in with the ball. Gambhir’s tactical gamble reflects India’s focus on depth and versatility as they eye another Asia Cup title.
With Bumrah firing yorkers and the spin trio applying pressure, India’s strategy might just prove a masterstroke, though the Arshdeep omission remains a talking point.
