NEW DELHI: What is the ideal combination for India in the Asia Cup? This question has been swirling ever since Shubman Gill returned to the T20I squad as vice-captain. His comeback puts Sanju Samson's spot at the top of the order under threat, though legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have backed his inclusion.

Samson's T20I exploits came primarily as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma, and moving him to the middle order isn't seen as the most effective option. With second wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma's finishing abilities rated higher than Samson's aggressive stroke-play at the top, the team management appears to favour balance over flamboyance.

India will open their Asia Cup campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium before locking horns against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14.

India's middle order will comprise captain Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. The inclusion of Rinku Singh bolsters the lower-order batting, while Abhishek Sharma's part-time spin adds valuable balance to the lineup.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah and wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy are almost guaranteed starters. The final spot could go either to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh or spinner Kuldeep Yadav. With Dubai's spin-friendly pitches in mind, Kuldeep may have the advantage, providing India with variety and depth in their attack.

India's probable XI vs UAE

Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

India's Asia Cup Schedule (Group Stage)

Sep 10: India vs UAE in Dubai at 8PM IST

Sep 14: India vs Pakistan in Dubai at 8PM IST

Sep 19: India vs Oman in Abu Dhabi at 8PM IST

If India and Pakistan finish among the top two in the Group A, the two teams are set to face each other again.

Super Four Schedule

Sep 21: Super Four, Match 2 (A1 vs A2)* in Dubai at 8PM IST

Sep 24: Super Four, Match 4 (A1 vs B2)* in Dubai at 8PM IST

Sep 26: Super Four, Match 6 (A1 vs B1)* in Dubai at 8PM IST

Sep 28: Final* in Dubai at 8PM IST