Dubai: India started the 2025 Asia Cup with a commanding win, but the victory came with tough news for Rinku Singh. India crushed the UAE by 9 wickets, bowling them out for just 57 runs. However, it was Shivam Dubey’s stunning bowling performance that stole the spotlight and may have ended Rinku’s hopes of breaking into the playing XI.

Impact player of the match 🦾
Love this team 💙 pic.twitter.com/I55447EtNh

— Shivam Dube (@pr_kashlegha) September 12, 2025

Shivam Dubey Seizes His Chance

Rinku Singh was dropped for this match, and Shivam Dubey was given an opportunity as the third fast bowler. The decision worked brilliantly.

Dubey bowled just 2 overs, conceded only 4 runs, and took 3 wickets, his best bowling figures in international cricket. He dismissed Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, and Junaid Siddique in quick succession, ripping through the UAE lineup.

Known more for his power-hitting, Dubey showed he can also deliver with the ball. This dual ability gives the team management huge confidence in him. Reports suggest he will keep his spot for the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash.

Rinku Singh vs Shivam Dubey: Who Fits Better?

The sixth bowling option in India’s playing XI was open for competition. The battle was between Rinku Singh, the finisher and part-time off-spinner, and Shivam Dubey, the explosive batting all-rounder.

• Rinku Singh’s strengths:

  • Match-winning finisher with the bat

  • Calm under pressure

• Rinku Singh’s weaknesses:

  • Part-time off-spinner, not trusted on fast UAE pitches

  • Limited role when India already has three spinners, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy

• Shivam Dubey’s strengths:

  • Explosive middle-order batsman

  • Can counter-spin with ease

  • Adds value as a third fast-bowling option behind Bumrah and Hardik Pandya

  • Provides better team balance

This balance is why Dubey seems ahead of Rinku Singh in the current setup.

Is Rinku Singh’s Asia Cup Dream Over?

Dubey’s performance in just one match may have sealed his place in India’s XI. With India preferring all-round depth, Dubey offers both firepower with the bat and reliability with the ball.

Rinku Singh remains a world-class finisher, but with limited bowling skills, his chances look slim—at least for this Asia Cup.

Dubey Credits Morne Morkel for Bowling Growth

Interestingly, Dubey had bowled only three overs in the last three IPL seasons for Chennai Super Kings due to the impact player rule. But under India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel, he has sharpened his skills.

Dubey revealed, “When I came to England in January, Morkel gave me tips on bowling outside off-stump, variations with the slower ball, and improving my run-up. Those changes helped me increase pace and control. Now, whenever I get a chance to bowl four overs, I am ready.”

India’s New Balance with Dubey

With Dubey in the XI, India now has six bowling options. He strengthens the middle order while Axar Patel at No. 8 ensures depth, filling the void left by Ravindra Jadeja.

On short-pitched deliveries, Dubey admitted, “Some bowlers test me with bouncers. In the IPL and beyond, I have been practising to add more shots against them. I know I can clear the boundaries in some areas.”

Conclusion

India’s dominant win over the UAE was impressive, but the real talking point is Shivam Dubey’s rise. His all-round skills give India the balance they need in UAE conditions. For Rinku Singh, however, this might be the toughest setback of his career.

As India prepares to face Pakistan, all eyes will be on whether Dubey can continue this form and if Rinku Singh will get another chance to prove himself.