Dubai pitch to decide Kuldeep Yadav in India's Asia Cup XI

With the Asia Cup set to begin on September 9, India faces an early selection dilemma ahead of its opening Group A match against the United Arab Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10. The core question for the team is whether to include left arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, a decision that coaches and former players say will hinge on pitch conditions and tactical balance.

India's 15-player squad features a trio of specialist spinners in Kuldeep, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, three frontline pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, and allrounders Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar. Kuldeep brings significant T20 credentials, having taken 69 wickets in 40 T20 internationals, while Varun has 33 wickets in 18 matches. Kuldeep last appeared in a T20 international in the 2024 World Cup final and returned to T20 action during IPL 2025 after an injury spell that sidelined him for several months.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel praised Kuldeep's professionalism and preparation but said the likely XI will be decided after inspection of Dubai's pitches. Morkel noted that the wickets in September appear greener and fresher than...