As the anticipation builds for the Asia Cup 2025, discussions around the Indian team are dominated by the opening batting order. Given the prominence of explosive batting in the T20 format, this is understandable. However, the composition of the bowling attack is equally critical. How many specialist spinners will India select, and will they thrive in the UAE’s conditions? These questions are particularly relevant because the tournament, set for September, presents a tough challenge for spinners.
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in the UAE from September 9th to 28th. The majority of the matches, including those of the Indian team, will be held in Dubai. India won the Champions Trophy in February-March 2025 on the same ground, so they return as strong contenders, likely relying on the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
Their performance in the Champions Trophy saw Kuldeep and Varun claiming 16 wickets combined, creating high expectations. However, the current weather conditions in the UAE may pose a significant hurdle to these expectations. Unlike the conditions in February-March, the weather during the tournament will impact spinners. According to UAE cricketer Alishan Sharafu, spinners will find the weather challenging due to the heat and humidity. Practice matches have highlighted the difficulties in gripping the ball because of the moisture in the air.
Even with a dry outfield, the heat and humidity will likely lead to player perspiration, affecting their ability to grip the ball securely. In T20 matches, the ball’s shine lasts for a considerable part of the innings. This could increase the chances of the ball slipping from the hand. This situation will potentially make it tough for spinners, especially wrist spinners like Kuldeep and Varun, to control their line and length.
This challenge extends to other teams, but for India, it requires potential adjustments to the playing eleven. India will have to make a choice between the two spinners. Axar Patel is expected to play as another spinner. Furthermore, the Indian team can’t afford to have four bowlers who don’t contribute with the bat. With fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh likely in the playing XI, one of the two spinners may have to sit out, which would assist the Indian team in other ways.