Asia Cup 2025: Sanju Samson Retains Place, Kuldeep Likely Over Arshdeep – India’s Probable XI vs UAE

On Wednesday, September 10, the Indian cricket team will play the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the tournament's hosts, at the Dubai International Stadium to kick off the Asia Cup 2025 campaign. With Suryakumar Yadav captaining the team, this will also be India's first Twenty20 International in seven months.

Important Points

• India will play the UAE in the first match of the tournament.
• Dubai International Stadium will host the match.
• India's first Twenty20 International match since February 2, 2025.

India's Probable Starting Lineup

The opening combination will change now that Shubman Gill has rejoined the T20I team after being rested the previous season. In order to push Sanju Samson, India's first-choice wicketkeeper, down to the middle order at No. 3 or No. 5, Gill, who was named vice-captain, is anticipated to open with Abhishek Sharma.

Tilak Varma, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are expected to lead the middle order. Rinku Singh is also anticipated to be included in order to increase batting depth, with Abhishek serving as a sixth bowling option.

Combination Bowling

Three specialised bowlers are anticipated to be selected by India:

• The pace leader, Jasprit Bumrah, is chosen automatically.
• He will probably be paired with Varun Chakravarthy, who made an impression following his return last year.
• Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav could compete for the final spot, but Kuldeep's spin is predicted to be preferred due to the slow Dubai pitches.

India’s Probable XI vs UAE

• Shubman Gill (VC)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Sanju Samson (WK)
• Suryakumar Yadav (C)
• Hardik Pandya
• Tilak Varma
• Rinku Singh
• Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Varun Chakravarthy

India’s clash with UAE will be followed by the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan blockbuster on September 14.