The upcoming Super 4 match between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled for Friday, September 26, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, is a dead rubber due to the performance of both teams in the tournament so far.

Asia Cup 2025, Super 4: India vs Sri Lanka- A match of contrasting stakes

India, the defending champions, have had a dominant run in the Super 4 stage, securing consecutive victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh. Their clinical performance, which includes a convincing win against their arch-rivals and a strong bowling display against Bangladesh, has earned them a spot in the final, making this last Super 4 game inconsequential in terms of qualification. For India, the importance of this match lies in maintaining winning momentum and providing game time to players who have been on the sidelines.

In stark contrast, Sri Lanka’s campaign has been derailed in the Super 4s, where they have suffered back-to-back losses to Bangladesh and Pakistan. These defeats have put them at the bottom of the table with zero points, eliminating them from the tournament. For Sri Lanka, this match is a chance for redemption and to salvage some pride against a formidable Indian side before heading back home.

3 changes India can make in their playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 game against Sri Lanka

1. Jasprit Bumrah rested for Arshdeep Singh:

• Out player’s Asia Cup 2025 performance: Jasprit Bumrah is arguably India’s most crucial pacer. He was rested for the group-stage match against Oman, and his performance has been stellar when he has played. He is a vital asset for the final, and managing his workload is a top priority.
• In player’s Asia Cup 2025 performance: Arshdeep Singh, who has been on the bench for most of the tournament, got a chance to play against Oman. In that game, he made history by becoming the first Indian male cricketer to take 100 T20I wickets. While his bowling figures in that match were a bit expensive (1 wicket for 37 runs), he showed he can be a wicket-taker and his inclusion would provide valuable match practice ahead of the final.

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2. Kuldeep Yadav replaced by Harshit Rana:

• Out player’s Asia Cup 2025 performance: Kuldeep Yadav has been in red-hot form, earning back-to-back Player of the Match awards. He has been a key part of India’s three-spinner strategy. However, the team might want to try a different bowling combination, especially since there are questions about the effectiveness of a spin-heavy attack on the UAE’s surfaces as the tournament progresses.
• In player’s Asia Cup 2025 performance: Harshit Rana, a right-arm fast bowler, also got an opportunity against Oman. He finished with figures of 1 wicket for 25 runs in his 3 overs. His inclusion would give India the option of an extra pacer, adding a different dimension to their attack and testing their bench strength.

2. Shivam Dube replaced by Rinku Singh:

• Out player’s Asia Cup 2025 performance: Shivam Dube‘s performance has been a tale of two halves. While he was hailed as a game-changer for his crucial bowling spell of 2 for 33 against Pakistan, his batting has been a cause for concern. In the recent match against Bangladesh, he was promoted to number three but was dismissed for just two runs.
• In player’s Asia Cup 2025 performance: Rinku Singh has yet to play a game in this tournament. However, his selection for the Asia Cup was justified by a stunning century (108* off 48 balls) in the UPT20 League leading up to the tournament. Known as a specialist finisher, Rinku could be a more reliable option in the lower middle-order, where India has been looking for more consistent performances. Giving him a chance in this dead rubber match would be a perfect opportunity to see if he can provide the explosive and consistent finishing that the team needs.

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