India are gearing up to face arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The defending champions head into to the all-important clash with a 100 per cent win record. The Men in Blue's journey in the Asia Cup 2025 has been smooth sailing as they were hardly challenged by any opposition, however, their final Super Four clash against Sri Lanka proved to be a cliffhanger.
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India posted a massive total of 202 runs after batting first in the game, courtesy of some quality batting by Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma.
The bowlers, though, had a nightmare outing as Sri Lanka almost chased down the total. The Lankans eventually equalled India's total and it was in the 'Super Over', where the fate of the game was decided.
Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana made it to the team in the dead-rubber clash as ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was rested ahead of the final.
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Both Rana and Singh conceded a lot of runs in the game, although, Singh redeemed himself by bowling a brilliant penultimate over then restrict Sri Lanka to just two runs in the Super Over.
After Singh's impressive death bowling, former India international R Ashwin feels that the left-arm fast bowler must be included in the starting lineup against Pakistan in the final.
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"Arshdeep Singh is mandatory" - R Ashwin's advice for Gambhir
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: "Even before the start of the Asia Cup, I was saying that Arshdeep Singh is mandatory in the playing XI. He once again proved my point. What a terrific finish to the game, the way with which he bowled the Super Over, he reiterated why he's mandatory. In this game, Jasprit Bumrah wasn't there, which is a huge loss. Arshdeep Singh has once again given a great account of himself.
"He showed why he is one of India's premier bowlers. When Jasprit Bumrah is there in the side, people won't talk much about Arshdeep, but I would stick my neck out and say he is India's premier bowler in this format."
Ashwin further heaped praise on Singh, as he added: "He has taken 100 wickets, and he has once again proven why he is very good. The No.8 slot has to be Arshdeep Singh; you cannot leave him out."