India face Pakistan in Asian Games cricket gold medal match; Arshdeep likely to replace Dube

The mood turns tense whenever India and Pakistan meet on the cricket field. The final of the men's cricket event at the Asian Games 2026 is set to witness this old rivalry. The two teams will play for the gold medal on Saturday, October 3. Every Indian cricket fan's heart is racing and all eyes are on the contest.

The Indian team, led by captain Shreyas Iyer, will give its all to win. It is reported that the team management may make one important change in its playing XI for the title clash. The change could prove a masterstroke for the team.

In a high-pressure match, both experience and current form count. With this in mind, all-rounder Shivam Dube may be left out. Fearsome left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is considered almost certain to return in his place. Dube's recent form remains a concern for the team management.

Dube was in the playing XI in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. He came in to bat at number eight but scored only 3 runs off nine balls. Captain Shreyas Iyer did not give him a single over in that match.

The figures for 33-year-old Shivam Dube from the last few matches paint an even bleaker picture. Since the series against Afghanistan in September 2026, he has played all five T20 Internationals for India. In three innings in these matches he scored just 17 runs in total. He has not made an impact with the ball either. In the two matches in which he got to bowl, he did not take a wicket.

Arshdeep Singh's inclusion in place of Dube could sharpen India's bowling. Arshdeep is India's leading wicket-taker in the 20-over format. He was kept out of the playing XI for the semi-final against Sri Lanka, which was surprising. Now, in the final against Pakistan and the fight for gold, his role becomes far more important than Dube's. With accurate bowling in the powerplay and the final overs, he can play a big part in restricting the Pakistani batters.

As for the batting order, the team management will not want to tinker with the top order. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has played brilliantly so far, will open the innings with explosive batter Abhishek Sharma. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is likely to come in at number three.

In the middle order, Ishan Kishan could prove a big match-winner for the team. In the semi-final against Sri Lanka he played a blistering knock of 80 runs that won the match. Given the current form of the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, he could be sent in above captain Shreyas Iyer to score quickly in the middle overs. Young and aggressive batter Tilak Varma will also be an important part of the side, strengthening the middle order.

Jasprit Bumrah, the team's most reliable bowler, will lead the pace attack. His experience and ability to handle pressure will be India's biggest strength in the final. The pairing of Bumrah and Arshdeep could trouble the Pakistani batters. The outcome of the title clash will rest largely on the trio of spinners: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi. In the semi-final, Axar Patel dismissed two key Sri Lankan batters with good spin bowling.

Amritsar-born opener Abhishek Sharma also showed his bowling skill in that match by taking two wickets. If needed, Abhishek can give the captain a few important overs of spin in the final. The squad also includes spin all-rounders Vipraj Nigam and Yash Thakur, but given the current team balance they are unlikely to play the final.

India's probable playing XI for the Asian Games 2026 final: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.