The 2025 edition of Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The eight-team tournament will consist of two groups, each comprising four teams.

While India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman are placed in Group A, Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side will begin their title defence against the UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Ahead of their campaign opener, former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has said that Arshdeep Singh's ability to regain "match rhythm" quickly and Jasprit Bumrah's continuity will be key for the team.

Arun highlighted that Arshdeep, despite extensive bowling in England, is still short on competitive overs. He did feature in a Duleep Trophy game for North Zone though.

"Arshdeep, we all know what he is capable of doing. He must have bowled a lot in England, but he is definitely short of match practice. The rhythm really comes from playing matches no matter how much you bowl in the net and practice sessions," Arun told PTI in an exclusive chat.

"I think it is important to bowl in matches. It's a big challenge for Arshdeep. How quickly he gets back his match rhythm would be very, very important. It can be in a jiffy or it can take him a couple of matches to get into rhythm," he added.

According to Bharat Arun, pace spearhead Bumrah will have no workload related issues since the assignment includes six T20 matches across three weeks.

"I would love to see Jasprit play. But I think it is his call. I think he should be able to play all the matches. But the real call must be taken by Jasprit. I don't think he would need rest looking at the format of this tournament.

"So, if he is bowling, it is also a question of continuing the good rhythm that he gets throughout the tournament, which would augur very well for him," Arun said.

Apart from Kuldeep, the Indian squad features quality spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, with Washington Sundar in the reserves.

The former bowling coach was confident that wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who warmed the bench throughout the England Test tour, would make an impact in the Asia Cup.

"Kuldeep Yadav has grown immensely in stature as a bowler. He is bowling beautifully. And it was unfortunate that he couldn't play in England.

"But I am sure he must have had a lot of overs under his belt. And he is experienced enough. He has got pretty good experience in the T20 format," Arun said.

Apart from Kuldeep, the Indian squad features quality spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, with Washington Sundar in the reserves. Arun said it would be hard to leave any of them out.

"Well, Varun has been an exceptional T20 bowler. He is kind of a match-winner. And so is Kuldeep Yadav. And Axar Patel brings in a lot with the bat.

"So, I think Axar would be used more as an all-rounder. And if the wickets are a little conducive, it will be a great idea to play all three spinners. Because each one has got a different variety.

"They have experience. And they bring a lot to the table...But obviously, the condition of the pitch would matter a lot. Then if it does, then it will be a very, very difficult choice to pick just two of them. Very tempting to play all three," he said.

On captain Suryakumar Yadav and deputy Shubman Gill, Arun remarked: "I think it is very important for a captain to understand what style of captaincy he brings along and what kind of energy he brings into the team. And how he can be more of a leader who commands a lot of respect from his teammates.

"I think Suryakumar, I have seen him as a player, but I have not seen him as a captain. But I do feel that he has got enough experience. He is a thinking cricketer and he can be a good, good captain.

"And as far as this relationship with Shubman Gill is concerned, I am sure they have played together. Shubman knows his responsibilities. He is a youngster who has got a great future ahead of him. And I only think that they would be helping each other along the way," he concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)