Murali Kartik suggests change in India’s batting order ahead of Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman

Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik wants India to play Jitesh Sharma in a dead rubber contest against Oman in the ongoing Asia Cup. Kartik wants the team management to push Sanju Samson up in the batting order and give chances to players, who have been so far warming the benches. 

Kartik wants Arshdeep Singh to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI. Furthermore, the former left-arm orthodox spinner urged the team’s think tank to replace Shivam Dube with Rinku Singh. Kartik urged the team to treat this match as a practice game and give opportunities to all the players.

Kartik reckons vice-captain Shubman Gill can lead in place of Suryakumar Yadav.

“I would hope to give a break to all of them who are sitting out. You never know whom you might need. You have qualified. Somebody like an Arshdeep needs to get a gig, he’s been waiting in the wings for too long. Jitesh was possibly talked as the main wicketkeeper. Maybe push Sanju Samson up the order and allow Jitesh to play. Give a break to a few players. Arshdeep in for Bumrah, get Rinku in for Shivam Dube. It is a practice game. These are strong boys sitting out. Think of Rinku, Jitesh. Arshdeep has been your principle wicket-taker and he can’t get a game. Give everybody a break. Surya can rest. Shubman can captain,” Kartik said on Cricbuzz. 

On the other hand, former Indian batter Rohan Gavaskar reckons Arshdeep Singh will come into the playing XI in place of Jasprit Bumrah.

“I think Bumrah will be rested, Arshdeep will come in. Sanju will stay. You’re not going to give Surya and Shubman a rest. Tilak will want to bat. Maybe you can give Hardik a break. Rinku can come in. You want to see Rinku play. It is bittersweet that a player of his quality who has put in performances, can’t find a spot in the 11,” he stated. 

Meanwhile, Kartik reckons Rinku Singh will need to start practicing bowling. Singh had rolled his arm over for the Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League.

“I think Rinku will have to start practicing bowling. He’s a gun fielder, he’s brilliant. He is a great boundary blocker. I think he is one of the coolest guys under pressure – ‘icerink’,” Kartik said. 

India will next take on Oman in their last Group A fixture at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.