Asia Cup 2025: ‘Game changer move!’ - Irfan Pathan hails Suryakumar Yadav’s call to bowl Shivam Dube

Published - 21 Sept 2025, 22:04 IST | Updated - 21 Sept 2025, 22:29 IST

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan praised a brilliant tactical move by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the second Super Four clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai on Sunday, September 21. After winning the toss, India opted to field first.

Pathan highlighted how the skipper’s decision to introduce all-rounder Shivam Dube into the bowling attack proved to be a masterstroke. At that stage, Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub appeared well-settled at the crease, building momentum with confidence. However, the introduction of Dube disrupted their rhythm. The tall all-rounder struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both the set batters, putting brakes on the scoring rate.

“Game changer move! Since Surya brought Shivam Dube into the attack, momentum has completely shifted. India on top now!,” wrote Pathan on X.

I’d pick Arshdeep along with Bumrah against Pakistan: Pathan

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.

"I will stick to my words, what I said before the start of the Asia Cup. I would want to see Arshdeep play with (Jasprit) Bumrah because a situation could come where you might need a second fast bowler. When the ball gets wet and you are under pressure, is Hardik's (Pandya) strength bowling six yorkers, or can Shivam Dube bowl those yorkers consistently?," Pathan had said earlier on Sony Sports.

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.