Arshdeep Singh Benched for India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been excluded from India’s playing XI for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, despite his match-winning performance in the super over against Sri Lanka. The 25-year-old bowler, who restricted Sri Lanka to just two runs in the super over and delivered crucial death overs, finds himself warming the bench as India prepares for the summit clash.

Team Changes Drive Selection Decision

The exclusion stems from India’s tactical reshuffle as Jasprit Bumrah returns to the lineup after being rested for the Sri Lanka encounter. The Men in Blue have made two significant changes to their playing XI, with injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya being replaced by Rinku Singh, while Shivam Dube returns in place of Harshit Rana.

India’s consistent strategy throughout the tournament has been to field only one specialist pacer, and Bumrah’s return automatically displaced Arshdeep from the playing XI. Many cricket analysts expected the team management to deploy two specialist fast bowlers given Hardik’s unavailability, but the selectors opted for an additional batsman instead.

Limited Tournament Opportunities

Arshdeep’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign has been restricted to just two appearances – against Oman and Sri Lanka – both occasions when Bumrah was rested. These matches came during the group stage finale and Super Four round, when India had already secured their qualification for the next phase.

The decision leaves India with reduced bowling options but strengthens their batting depth as they face their arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be a thrilling final. The team management’s preference for batting security over bowling variety reflects their confidence in the remaining bowling attack’s ability to contain Pakistan’s batting lineup.