India began their Asia Cup campaign with dominant wins over UAE and Pakistan, securing a spot in the Super Four stage. The victories showcased the team’s batting depth and bowling versatility. However, analysts believe the performances may hide vulnerabilities that stronger opponents could exploit.
The biggest concern lies in death bowling. Without Arshdeep Singh, India’s finishing attack appears fragile. Even with Pakistan running out of wickets, Shaheen Afridi’s late sixes against Hardik Pandya exposed gaps. Comparisons with IPL statistics underline Arshdeep’s superior efficiency in the final overs, raising questions about team balance. Adding to the concern, Jasprit Bumrah has been used heavily in the powerplay, reducing his impact at the death.
Another issue is Sanju Samson’s undefined batting role. His sporadic appearances lower down the order leave him underprepared for high-pressure situations. Critics argue that his natural top-order skills are being wasted in pursuit of tactical left-right combinations.
Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy has also shown rigidity, especially in the handling of Bumrah’s overs. Pre-set strategies against Pakistan could have backfired against stronger batting sides. Experts warn that while India’s early momentum is promising, tactical refinements are essential. Only proactive adjustments can sustain dominance against world-class opponents.
