Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan lauded Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s outstanding tactical decision during the second Super Four encounter against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 21 in Dubai. After winning the toss, India decided to field first.
Irfan Pathan emphasised how the captain’s choice to include all-rounder Shivam Dube in the bowling attack proved to be a masterstroke.
At that point, Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub were comfortable at the crease, creating momentum with confidence. However, the introduction of Dube threw off their flow. The tall all-rounder struck twice in short succession, eliminating both set hitters and slowing the scoring tempo.
“Game changer move! Since Surya brought Shivam Dube into the attack, momentum has completely shifted. India on top now!,” wrote Pathan on X.
Game changer move! Since Surya brought Shivam Dube into the attack, momentum has completely shifted. India on top now!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 21, 2025
Dube completed his four-over quota, returning figures of 2 for 33 and providing India with crucial breakthroughs at the right time. Earlier, Pathan had laid emphasis the importance of variety in India’s bowling attack. He pointed out that while Hardik Pandya and Dube are valuable all-round options, they are not specialists in delivering yorkers or maintaining a consistently tight line in the death overs. Pathan suggested that India should include left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to complement Jasprit Bumrah.
But Dube proved those concerns wrong, surprising the veteran with his impressive bowling performance. Speaking about the match, Sahibzada top-scored with a steady 58 off 45 balls, while the rest of the batting line-up chipped in with quick runs before losing momentum.
Among India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 1 for 31, continuing his knack for breakthroughs in the middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy, though wicketless in his full quota of four overs, was economical, conceding only 25 runs. Bumrah, however, endured a rare off day. The pace spearhead struggled and conceded 45 runs in his four overs.
India
