Asia Cup 2025: 'Who bowls a left-arm spinner when a left-hander is facing?' - Former India opener calls India vs UAE clash a mismatch

Published - 11 Sept 2025, 11:51 IST | Updated - 11 Sept 2025, 12:09 IST

India started their Asia Cup title defence on a splendid note, as they defeated hosts UAE by nine wickets, chasing down a 58-run target in 4.3 overs. This was after the Indian bowlers shot out the UAE for 57 in 13.1 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 10.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra called the encounter a mismatch as the Men in Blue were comprehensive with their performance against the Muhammad Waseem-led side.

"It wasn't a match, it was a mismatch because the UAE challenge was totally dismissed. It was being said that it's a T20 match, but the two teams together played 17.4 overs. The match ended and India won," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

Some critics questioned Shubman Gill's inclusion in the T20 setup because he often plays with a cautious approach, something that cannot be associated with the Indian team under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership. However, Chopra was pleased to see Gill scoring at a quicker rate than Abhishek Sharma. The former cricketer also failed to understand why the UAE started with a left-arm spinner against a destructive hitter like Abhishek.

"There was one question before this match for sure as to how Shubman Gill would play, would he run at the speed Abhishek Sharma runs? He ran even faster than him, although Abhishek Sharma hit a six off the first ball, and I am wondering who bowls a left-arm spinner when a left-hander is facing" the cricketer-turned-commentator observed.

"It's like sending a lamb to the slaughterhouse. He hit sixes and showed intent. The match (innings) lasted only 4.3 overs. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten and Suryakumar Yadav came and hit a six off his first ball. This was as dominating as it could get," he added.

Kuldeep Yadav, on his international comeback, was the star performer for India, as he finished with figures of 4/7 in 2.1 overs. Chopra hailed his return to India's playing XI and said that he should have played in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.

IND star reacts to comparisons with Hardik after UAE game

"Kuldeep Yadav's comeback was incredible - four wickets. He bowled just 2.1 overs. He was picking up wickets whenever he bowled, and you wonder how fantastic the combination of Kuldeep and Varun Chakaravarthy is. Since Kuldeep Yadav hadn't been playing for such a long time, people have forgotten the kind of form he is in," he said.

"He didn't play in England, but he was doing well in the IPL. He plays for a franchise that plays in tiny grounds, either in Vizag or the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He is releasing the ball very well, but no one is playing him. He should have been played in England, but you didn't play him a single match," Chopra observed.