Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has called for Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday (September 28) in Dubai.
Pathan’s suggestion came after Arshdeep delivered match-winning performance in the Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka on Friday.
The high-scoring thriller between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tie, requiring a Super Over to decide the winner. In the one-over eliminator, the left-arm quick conceded just two runs and picked up two crucial wickets in five balls.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav achieved the three-run target in a single delivery to extend the team’s unbeaten run in the continental tournament.
In regulation play, Arshdeep got rid of Kamindu Mendis and returned with figures of 4-0-46-1. He also held his nerve in the penultimate over of Sri Lanka’s chase.
After the game, Pathan heaped praise on Arshdeep, stressing that the youngster has been executing yorkers with precision much like Jasprit Bumrah.
“Look, first of all, he’s as cool as ice, mate. Under pressure, he asks for the ball. He bowls when it matters, and whenever it’s the last over, he nails the yorkers. He’s ready. Shoulder to shoulder with Bumrah, he delivers those yorkers. I think he’s a bowler of that quality,” Irfan told the broadcasters.
Pathan further highlighted that while the team management prefers batting depth by including Shivam Dube, it comes at the expense of Arshdeep’s place in the XI.
However, Pathan maintained that in his view, the Punjab lad should always be part of the Indian T20I XI.
“I’ve been saying this from day one — it’s not just about today. He should always be in the playing XI, because there are situations when you need yorkers from both ends. You saw it yourself today — the match went right down to the wire.
“But the team thought we needed longer batting. And if you want longer batting, then Shivam Dube plays as an all-rounder. Now, if he’s playing, Arshdeep doesn’t get a spot. But in my team, Arshdeep will always be there. And I’ve been saying this from the very first day,” Irfan remarked.
