India probable XI vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025: Opportunity to try bench strength in warm-up ahead of Super Four

India probable XI vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025 (BCCI Photo)

India probable XI vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025: When Team India plays a beleaguered Oman in their last Asia Cup group stage match in Abu Dhabi on Friday, skipper Suryakumar Yadav would ideally want to bat first, having chased in the last two encounters. The fixture serves as a great chance for the management to get some wood on leather after two lopsided low-scoring chases in the previous two matches. The Men In Blue have already qualified for the Super Four and is focused on the crucial rematch against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (September 21).

Shubman Gill may wish to bat little bit longer, and despite a calculated show against Pakistan, Suryakumar would hope to see Tilak Varma get more batting opportunities.

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India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has already participated in two consecutive Asia Cup matches and with ample alternatives as backup for the premier pacer, India can afford to give him a break.

Arshdeep Singh, India's top wicket-taker in T20Is, is awaiting a chance to start. He can come in as a replacement for Bumrah. If that is the case, the left-arm pacer will aim to become the first Indian bowler to take 100 T20I wickets.

Likewise, Suryakumar has the option to replace Sanju Samson with Jitesh Sharma. Samson, who many expected would remain on the bench to accommodate Gill at the top, has been part of both India fixtures so far. However, his services with the bat weren't required in the comfortable run-chases.

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As for Jitesh Sharma, the designated finisher, has remained on the fringes and will be desperately waiting for opportunities. When playing Oman, Suryakumar can afford to give Jitesh a chance. This would allow Samson, who has been keeping wickets for the past two games, to get some much-needed rest before we proceed to Super Four, the second stage of the tournament.

India probable XI vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025:

Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill

Top and middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK)

All-rounders: Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel

Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

Pacer: Arshdeep Singh