The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has put the focus on India’s team selection, particularly concerning the playing eleven. The focus is on the batting lineup, given the importance of explosive batting in T20 cricket. However, the effectiveness of the bowling attack is also under scrutiny. Specifically, questions arise about the number of spinners India will include and their adaptability to the UAE’s conditions. These questions are critical as the tournament, scheduled for September, poses a unique challenge for spinners.
The Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the UAE from September 9 to September 28. The majority of the matches, including India’s, will be played in Dubai. The team previously played and won the Champions Trophy on the same ground in February-March 2025. With the return to the same venue, India will be aiming for another title, likely with Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin attack.
Kuldeep and Varun’s combined 16 wickets in the Champions Trophy have raised expectations. However, these expectations are threatened by the UAE’s current conditions. Unlike the conditions in February-March, the weather in September will affect spinners. As revealed by UAE cricketer Alishan Sharafu, the heat and humidity will make it difficult for spinners. Practice matches showed that spinners struggled to grip the ball due to moisture.
Despite a dry outfield, the heat and humidity cause players to sweat, leading to moisture on their hands, which complicates the ability to grip the ball. In 20-over matches, the ball’s shine lasts, and the risk of slipping increases. This situation could affect the spinners’ control of their line and length, making it particularly difficult for wrist spinners like Kuldeep and Varun.
This situation creates challenges for all teams, but India’s management may need to adjust the playing eleven, which will likely necessitate choosing between the two spinners. Axar Patel is expected to be the other spinner. In addition, India can’t include four bowlers who can’t bat. With Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the playing 11, one spinner may need to sit out to improve the team’s balance.
