As Asia Cup 2025 is about to get underway, India are in the tricky position of needing to make some major selection decisions ahead of the first game against UAE on a green pitch at the Dubai International Stadium. On expected seam-friendly conditions and with the uncertainty of the pitch, the Indian team management are deliberating their decisions carefully.
Uncertainty Over Dubai Surface Ahead of India vs UAE Clash
One of India’s largest challenges is the volatility of the Dubai pitch, particularly since reports have suggested a greenish hue on the pitch. Teams have not been able to train on the principal venue, which has compelled India to conduct sessions on the ICC Academy locally.
On Monday, the Indian team finally had access to the Dubai International Stadium, where they held a fielding practice under the stadium’s ring-of-fire floodlights. This provided an opportunity for players to become familiar with the outfield and check out the grassy pitch, which can help support fast bowlers in the initial stages.
Jitesh Sharma Set to Replace Sanju Samson as First-Choice Wicketkeeper
One of the key takeaways from the practice sessions is that Jitesh Sharma seems to have earned his position as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the Asia Cup 2025. This moves Sanju Samson down the ranks, even though he was tried in the middle order in the Kerala Cricket League recently.
Samson spent most of the last few training sessions on the sidelines, wearing the gloves for a while and batting lower down the order. Jitesh, on the other hand, saw more active stints in the nets, indicating that the team trusted him.
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Shubman Gill to Come Back at the Top with Abhishek Sharma
vice-captain Shubman Gill, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Monday, will be opening the innings with Abhishek Sharma. Gill, who was last seen in action in a T20I in July 2024, will be expected to provide stability and punch to India’s top order.
Conundrum at No. 8: Specialist Seamer or Additional Batter?
Maybe the toughest call is at No. 8. The green Dubai pitch has prompted India to rethink its balance of the side:
Do they go with Shivam Dube, a batting all-rounder who has been bowling hard in the nets?
Or stick with a more conventional pace option in the form of Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana to complement Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya?
Bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasized the need for versatility in the squad, stressing the importance of developing multiple all-round options to offer the captain flexibility.
“The more guys that can give the captain options, the better. We’re covering all bases,” Morkel noted.
Learning from the Past: Champions Trophy Experience in Dubai
When India tried out spin-favoring combinations during the March Champions Trophy also in Dubai they went so far as to play four spinners in certain ODIs. That was with Ravindra Jadeja, though, in the middle of it all, whose balance at No. 8 helped compensate.
With Jadeja now retired from T20Is, the option of having batting depth down the order coupled with bowling depth is now gone. As Morkel put it, conditions today are different:
“There’s a decent grass covering this time. The previous surfaces were tired, but now we’ll assess fresh and potentially greener pitches.”
Final Decision Likely on Match Day
India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 opener against UAE would be finalized on match day itself after the team gets a final glance at the pitch. With Tuesday’s practice session being made optional because of the scorching heat, the team is expected to have their plan chalked out after getting input on player workload and pitch conditions.
What’s Next for India?
Having played against UAE, India will now have one final practice session before their high-intensity battle against Pakistan on September 14 a game that will shape their Asia Cup 2025 journey.
Key Takeaways:
Grassy Dubai pitch may suit seamers.
Jitesh Sharma to replace Sanju Samson behind the wickets.
Shubman Gill set to resume opening duties with Abhishek Sharma.
India considering Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana options for No. 8.
Final squad selection to be determined subject to match-day pitch inspection.
