[WATCH] Ex-All-Rounder Questions India’s Team Balance Against UAE In Asia Cup 2025

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over the Men in Blue’s team combination after their Asia Cup 2025 clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 10. Batting first, UAE crumbled for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs.

In reply, the defending champions cruised to a nine-wicket victory with 93 balls remaining. Following the match, Pathan uploaded a video on his YouTube channel, where he lauded the efforts of Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, stating:

“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.”

With Shubman Gill opening the innings, Sanju Samson would be pushed down the batting order. The 40-year-old pointed out that if Samson is slotted at No. 3, Tilak Varma might also have to be moved lower, and he wondered if such a reshuffle would be the right decision.

“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.

“Can He Handle No. 8 Role?” — Irfan Pathan On India’s Middle-Order Puzzle

In the same video, Irfan Pathan pointed out that Axar Patel’s role with the bat could shift with Shivam Dube’s addition to the team, and he questioned whether Patel would be able to adjust. He stated:

“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.

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