The Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and all eyes are on India’s opening clash against the UAE. With several selection dilemmas and strong bench options, the Indian team management appears to have made some bold calls. As per recent reports and expert analysis, here’s India’s likely playing XI for the match against UAE – with notable exclusions of Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav.

Jitesh Sharma In, Sanju Samson Out

Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is likely to be preferred over Sanju Samson, who seems to have been left out of the XI despite his decent run. Jitesh's aggressive batting style and recent net sessions indicate the team is looking at him for the finisher’s role. According to The Times of India, Sharma was more involved in intense match simulations, while Samson mostly trained separately – a common indicator of being benched.

Kuldeep Yadav Misses Out

Another surprise exclusion is that of Kuldeep Yadav, who has been India's go-to wrist spinner in recent tournaments. However, in UAE conditions, the team might favor Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy to provide a left-arm orthodox and mystery spin combination. Kuldeep’s omission suggests a shift in India’s spin strategy for this tournament.

Likely Playing XI vs UAE

| **Role** | **Player Name** | |------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Opener | Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain) | | Opener | Abhishek Sharma | | Middle Order | Tilak Varma | | Middle Order | Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) | | Finisher | Hardik Pandya | | Wicketkeeper | Jitesh Sharma | | All-Rounder | Axar Patel | | Spinner | Varun Chakravarthy | | Pacer | Jasprit Bumrah | | Pacer | Arshdeep Singh | | 12th Man (probable) | Sanju Samson / Ravi Bishnoi |

Why This Combination?

Top Order Stability: Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma offer a left-right opening combo with both in form.

Middle Order Firepower: SKY, Tilak, and Pandya ensure aggressive stroke play in the middle overs.

Finishing Ability: Jitesh can launch in the death overs with high strike rates.

Spin Attack Variation: Axar and Varun bring contrasting styles — a key factor in UAE’s dry wickets.

Pace Power: Bumrah leads the attack with Arshdeep providing left-arm variation and swing up front.

Expert Reactions

Aakash Chopra backed the exclusion of Samson and Kuldeep, suggesting India should experiment with match-specific roles.

Sunil Gavaskar, however, felt that Samson should have been given at least one game before being dropped, especially given his flexibility to bat at multiple positions.

Ajinkya Rahane also supported Jitesh’s inclusion, highlighting his ability to handle pressure situations.

Final Thoughts

India seems to be going for form over fame and matchups over reputation. With the UAE being a relatively easier opponent, this could be the perfect game to test Jitesh Sharma and allow bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy to settle into rhythm. However, with stars like Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav waiting in the wings, the pressure will be on every player to perform.