Irfan Pathan questions India’s combination in Asia Cup 2025 clash against UAE

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has questioned the team’s combination in the Asia Cup 2025 clash against UAE. India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill opened the innings with Abhishek Sharma while chasing only 58 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.

Suryakumar Yadav came out to bat at one drop after Sharma was dismissed. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was played ahead of Jitesh Sharma as a wicket-keeper. Pathan highlighted that Samson will now bat out of his natural position after Shubman Gill has been added to the squad.

Samson was opening the innings with Abhishek Sharma in T20Is and the duo had done a decent job at the top of the order.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Shubman Gill came in and started attacking very well. Abhishek Sharma hit the first ball, it was an incredible start. You know, he has played consistently, but Shubman Gill’s approach was also tremendous. But one thing is clear: Sanju Samson did not come to open.”

“Shubman Gill came to open. This means Sanju Samson will play out of position. And if Sanju Samson doesn’t go below three in the batting order, then Tilak Varma will play out of position. So when these players are under pressure, and the pitch is slow and the ball grips, will it be right for Tilak Varma to play out of the place? That will be a question,” he said.

On the other hand, Pathan noted that Axar Patel was previously promoted as a floater in T20Is, but with Shivam Dube in the final XI, the former may not receive many batting opportunities.

“Secondly, Axar Patel also used to play the floater role, right? Axar bowled well again today. But when he batted, he used to play the floater role. Now, because you have Shivam Dube, you might say that Shivam Dube is better at playing spin, so maybe he will be sent up the order.”

“And if he is not sent up, he will bat lower, probably at number eight. But then, if he comes up, Axar, who used to play the floater role, will bat lower at number eight. Will he be as capable at number eight? That will also be a question,” he added.

India will next take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.