IND vs PAK / How will India's playing 11 be against PAK? There is a problem for one place

IND vs PAK T20I: India and Pakistan will face each other in the Super 4 stage of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 14 September 2025. The Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav, who registered a spectacular nine-wicket win in the first match against the UAE, will look to secure their place in the Super 4 in this high-voltage match. In this article, we will look at India's probable playing 11 and strategy.

Batting: A mix of stability and aggression

The batting unit of the Indian team looked in great form in the last match. In the opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill gave an aggressive start against the UAE. The place of both is considered almost confirmed in the playing 11. Captain Suryakumar Yadav himself can be seen batting at number three, who is known for his aggressive and 360 degree shots. Tilak Verma's place in the middle order is also considered confirmed, who provided stability in the last match.

Sanju Samson is considered certain to play as a wicketkeeper batsman. Although he did not get a chance to bat in the last match, his agility behind the wicket impressed everyone.

All-rounder: Team balance

India has three great all-rounders in the form of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dubey. Hardik started bowling in the last match and impressed with his fast bowling. Shivam Dubey also showed amazing bowling and was India's second most successful bowler. Axar Patel also proved his usefulness by taking a wicket. These three players can contribute with both bat and ball, which strengthens the balance of the team.

Bowling: Possibility of change

India has many options in bowling, but spinners have dominated the Dubai pitch. In the last match, Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets for just seven runs in 2.1 overs, while Varun Chakraborty took one wicket for four runs in two overs. Both spinners performed brilliantly, but there is a lot of talk about including Arshdeep Singh in the playing 11.

Arshdeep, who is one of India's most successful bowlers in T20I, has taken 99 wickets in 63 matches. The team management may have to take a tough decision for his return. If Arshdeep is included, then possibly one of Kuldeep or Varun may have to sit out. Apart from this, an all-rounder (Axar or Shivam) can also be dropped, which will be a big decision.

Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in fast bowling. His presence strengthens India's bowling. However, considering the Dubai pitch, India can also go with just Bumrah as the only fast bowler, giving more opportunities to the spinners.

Probable Playing 11

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Shubman Gill
3. Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
4. Tilak Verma
5. Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Axar Patel / Shivam Dubey
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Varun Chakraborty
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Arshdeep Singh

Strategy and Challenges

The biggest challenge for India will be Pakistan's strong batting and bowling unit. The Dubai pitch is expected to be dominated by spinners, so India's spin trio (Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar) can play an important role. At the same time, the fast bowling of Hardik and Bumrah can give early shocks to Pakistan batsmen.

This match against Pakistan is important not only from the point of view of the game but also emotionally. India will have to be both aggressive and cautious while maintaining a balance in their strategy.