India's winning streak remains intact, but selection headaches linger after the PAK clash

In Dubai, under the floodlights of yet another Indo-Pak clash, India once again asserted their dominance with a comfortable victory. Yet, behind the celebration of a seventh successive win over their neighbours, one urgent issue stood out: Jasprit Bumrah's erratic bowling spell. As India prepares to face Bangladesh on September 24, it may be time for a bold but essential decision - to rest Bumrah and unleash Arshdeep Singh.

Bumrah's muted returns

Bumrah is the spearhead of India's attack, but in T20S, reputation counts for little when rhythm eludes you. Against PAK, he conceded 45 runs in his 4 overs, going wicketless - his joint-third most expensive spell in T20Is. In 3 Asia Cup matches so far, he has taken only 3 wickets for 92 runs in 11 overs, an economy rate approaching 9 an over.

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T20Is require precision at both ends of the innings. India’s other pacers - Hardik Pandya's clever seamers and Shivam Dube's cutters - held their lines. Bumrah, however, appeared predictable, his yorkers missing their target and his slower balls failing to deceive. Against an underestimated Bangladesh side, the safer option is rotation.

Arshdeep's compelling case

By contrast, Arshdeep Singh boasts numbers that shine with promise. In 64 T20Is (2022-2025), he has already taken 100 wickets, making him the fastest Indian to reach this milestone, with an average of 18.49 and a strike rate of 13.3.

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Specifically, against Bangladesh, Arshdeep’s record is exceptional: 9 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 13.11 and an economy of 6.61. His most notable spell occurred in Gwalior (2024), where he bowled 3.5 overs for just 14 runs, taking three wickets and restricting Bangladesh to a modest total. His skill in executing yorkers at the death and swinging the new ball provides India with tactical flexibility that Bumrah has not offered in this tournament.

The larger equation

India holds a commanding record over Bangladesh in T20Is: 16 wins out of 17 meetings. However, past encounters have shown that when Bangladesh succeeds, it’s often because India’s bowlers allow their top order to settle. With Liton Das and Shanto capable of explosive starts, early wickets are crucial. Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and Powerplay effectiveness (striking once every 11.8 deliveries against BAN) make him the bowler best suited for this challenge.

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Furthermore, the tournament is a marathon. With the Super 4s heat up and the final approaching on 28 September, managing Bumrah’s workload may be in India’s long-term interest.

Batting reshuffle - Jitesh for Samson?

The second concern lies in the middle order. Sanju Samson, given opportunities in two matches, has struggled with fluency. His 13 off 17 against PAK was riddled with nine dot balls, disrupting momentum at a crucial moment. Although he scored a half-century against Oman, that innings also showed just 54% control, revealing his inconsistencies.

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India could instead consider Jitesh Sharma, a natural finisher who excels in high-pressure chases. With Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube ahead of him, Jitesh’s fearless hitting could give India a sharper edge at the tail end of the innings.

The verdict

India’s campaign has the potential for another Asia Cup title run, but success in tournaments often relies on small, proactive decisions rather than unwavering loyalty to senior players. Arshdeep Singh’s recent form, rhythm, and suitability against Bangladesh make him the right choice for now. Resting Bumrah isn’t a demotion — it’s an investment in freshness, form, and balance.