NEW DELHI: India are expected to once again rely on their tried-and-tested formula of all-rounders to provide balance, even as questions remain over whether the team will opt for a third spinner or a specialist pacer in their Asia Cup opener against hosts UAE in Dubai on Wednesday.

Since taking charge, head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasised the value of multi-skilled players across formats, particularly those who can strengthen the batting lineup and ensure depth all the way down to No. 8.

The clash against the UAE will serve as a valuable rehearsal ahead of the much-anticipated showdown with Pakistan on September 14. While the hosts are seen as underdogs, the match offers India's management an opportunity to test combinations that could prove crucial in the later stages of the tournament.

For the UAE players, Wednesday’s clash will be a career-defining experience. Going up against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah or facing top-order batsmen such as Shubman Gill is a rare opportunity for cricketers from an Associate nation, and the Asia Cup offers them a taste of elite-level cricket.

Within India's setup, the wicketkeeping conundrum between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma appears to have been temporarily resolved, with the selectors favouring Sharma's finishing abilities over Samson’s explosive stroke-play at the top of the order.

Shubman Gill's return to the top of the batting lineup has prompted a strategic reshuffle, meaning Samson - despite his free-flowing batting style - may have to sit out as India aim to find the most balanced combination for the tournament.

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Samson is not an option beyond top three and with Gill and Abhishek Sharma opening the batting, the only slot available was No.3.

But Tilak Varma has been exceptional in that position, rising up to No.2 in ICC T20I batters' rankings while skipper Suryakumar Yadav is a natural at either No.3 or 4.

Following them are the multi-skilled cricketers. At number five, there is Hardik Pandya, who on his day is as good a fast bowler as any front-line pacer apart from being a brilliant batter.

Then comes southpaw Shivam Dube, who can butcher spin bowling even on slowish tracks. With incessant push from bowling coach Morne Morkel, he is also bowling his seam-up stuff more during net sessions.

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At No.7, keeper-batter Jitesh could be a perfect fit considering the kind of performances he delivered during RCB's maiden IPL-winning season.

At No. 8, Gambhir has always preferred batting depth. As a result, Axar Patel, the mean wicket-to-wicket left-arm spinner and a lusty hitter, gets his pride of place in that slot.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's greatest fast bowler after Kapil Dev, and India's most successful T2OI bowler Arshdeep Singh are automatic choices leaving only one place up for grabs.

The Asia Cup being played in September means that Dubai International Stadium track will have a greener and fresher look with more bounce and carry compared to the tracks in March, when it is completely worn out.

The conditions warranted four spinners in the eleven for 50-over Champions Trophy -- Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.

On Wednesday, there could be a place for only one more spinner -- either Varun Chakravarthy, who has been phenomenal in T20Is since his international comeback, or the mercurial Kuldeep Yadav, who despite his superb skill-set always seems to get the rough end of the stick.

During India's practice session on Monday that was attended by the full team, Abhishek, who also bowls left-arm spin, was seen rolling his arm over for a considerable period of time.

For UAE, the tournament is a great opportunity to showcase skills and the likes of Muhammad Waseem, Rahul Chopra, and Simranjeet Singh are more than eager to make a mark under seasoned coach Lalchand Rajput.

"We had a good preparation playing the three nation T20 tournament in Sharjah. We had Pakistan five down for less than 100 in one game. We should have closed that game," Rajput told PTI.

"Against India, we know it is a tough game but also an opportunity to test ourselves against the best in world cricket. It is a tough match but I am a Khadoos Mumbaikar. My boys won't let India have it easy," he promised.

Teams (from):

India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh.

United Arab Emirates: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D'Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra, Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Saghir Khan.

Match Starts: 8 pm IST.

(With PTI Inputs)