“He once again proved my point” - Ravi Ashwin feels India shouldn’t drop a star player in Asia Cup 2025 Final

Former Indian spinner and cricket analyst Ravi Ashwin has stated that the Indian team management shouldn’t drop the star pacer Arshdeep Singh from the playing XI for the grand finale against Pakistan on Sunday, September 28, in Dubai.

Advertisment

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin also heaped praise on Arshdeep Singh for the way he bowled in the Super Over against Sri Lanka in the Super Four clash on Friday, September 26, in Dubai.

"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," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'.

It’s important to note that Arshdeep is currently India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 101 wickets. Furthermore, Ashwin also felt that the seamer doesn’t get enough credit whenever Jasprit Bumrah is in the XI.

"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," 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," he noted.

While India stood unbeaten in the Asia Cup 2025 campaign with six wins in as many games to make it to the final, Pakistan suffered two defeats against India, securing four wins to advance to the grand finale.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!