Former India spinner R Ashwin has stated that ever since Gautam Gambhir took over as the Indian team head coach, the focus has been on batting depth regardless of the format. This came after India’s highest T20I wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh, was benched for their first Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE in Dubai on September 10.

India opted for Jasprit Bumrah as the lone pacer, with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube sharing pace bowling duties. Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy were chosen as the spinners, with India having a long batting lineup.

R Ashwin stated that he has noted that head coach Gautam Gambhir favors spinners and batting depth in his starting lineup, and this trend may be carried over into the run-up to the T20 World Cup the following year.

“It’s surprising but not a new thing since Gautam Gambhir’s era began. Even in the Champions Trophy, when the wickets were dry, they went with a light seamer. They could have played Arshdeep there. It’s been a theme that we could see till the T20 World Cup," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin claims that against a team like the United Arab Emirates, whom they skittled for 57 before chasing down the mark in 4.3 overs, India didn't need an additional batter.

Ashwin thought Arshdeep would be upset that he didn't make the cut.

“There are two things that Gambhir and even Suryakumar (Yadav) are leaning towards. One is batting depth. (But) Do you really need an extra batter against the UAE and use Shivam Dube as the fifth bowler? If I were Arshdeep, I would be really disappointed. He has performed well everywhere and was even the No. 1 T20 bowler a while back. He also performed well in the T20 World Cup that India won recently.

Arshdeep would be upset for sure. But I think it is the theme that this team is going for. The next World Cup is in India, and we have seen how Gambhir, even during his KKR stint, loved his spinners. It looks like he’s backing that route yet again," Ashwin said.

Ashwin doesn’t agree with the strategy, though, and feels India needs to add another pacer in the mix.

“If India is going to go spin-heavy and play in spin-friendly conditions, I do think it is quite a dangerous thing. With this batting lineup, I wouldn’t really go spin-heavy. But I do think we need to play the extra seamer in India. You are going to play in night conditions, and this combination wouldn’t always work. You definitely need an extra fast bowler.

“But that doesn’t mean it is Kuldeep or Varun who gets the axe. You shouldn’t make them sit out. Abhishek Sharma is also bowling, so you have to sacrifice somewhere else to play the extra seamer. Bowlers always win you championships," Ashwin concluded.

India will next play Pakistan in Dubai in their second match of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14.