As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on Sunday, September 28, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made his stance crystal clear — Arshdeep Singh must be in the playing XI.
The 26-year-old left-arm pacer was instrumental in India’s thrilling Super Over win against Sri Lanka on Friday, and Ashwin believes his presence could be decisive in the high-stakes final.
Ashwin: “Even in My Sleep, I’d Say Arshdeep Must Play”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin passionately advocated for Arshdeep’s selection, emphasizing that batting depth shouldn’t come at the cost of bowling strength.
“I’ll say this even with my glasses on! Even if you wake me up from deep sleep, my answer won’t change: Arshdeep must play. How many runs will a No. 8 batter score? Not too many, and you don’t need that many,” Ashwin stated.
The spinner argued that teams often overvalue lower-order batting contributions, whereas effective death bowling and wicket-taking ability — both of which Arshdeep offers — are far more crucial in knockout matches.
Focus on Bowlers’ Batting Before T20 World Cup
Ashwin also highlighted the importance of improving bowlers’ batting skills ahead of the T20 World Cup, advising India’s coaching staff to work on the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.
“The batting coach should spend more time with these guys. Bumrah already has a decent bat swing, but Arshdeep and Varun need targeted training,” Ashwin suggested.
He explained that such practice should be situation-based, as lower-order batters often face just 4–6 balls in a T20 match.
“The key is to maximise those deliveries. Say you need 15 runs in 10 balls — how do you rotate strike, which bowler do you attack? These are the real conversations teams should have,” he added.
Arshdeep’s Limited Appearances Raise Eyebrows
Despite his impactful performances, Arshdeep has featured in only two matches in the ongoing Asia Cup. India’s team management has leaned towards batting-heavy line-ups, leaving him out in certain games.
However, with the final against Pakistan looming — a match expected to be decided by fine margins — Ashwin’s strong endorsement could tilt the selection debate in Arshdeep’s favour.
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