Images credits @ACC
When India step onto the field in Abu Dhabi to face Oman in the 12th match of Group A, history will be made. It will be the first time the two nations meet in international cricket, and while the stakes differ dramatically for each side, the contest carries its own weight. India, already assured of a place in the next round, view the fixture as a chance to fine-tune combinations ahead of bigger clashes. For Oman, already out of contention, it is a landmark opportunity to test themselves against the reigning T20 world champions.
India’s optional training session offered a few telling visuals. Nine players turned up, with head coach Gautam Gambhir spending significant time with young pacer Harshit Rana during an extended batting stint. In contrast, Arshdeep Singh, just one wicket shy of 100 in T20Is, went about his drills with little intervention and a shorter hit. The difference in attention may hint at selection plans. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, either Rana or Arshdeep could slot into the XI.
The workload of key players is a pressing concern, especially with another high profile clash against Pakistan scheduled the very next day. Resting Bumrah and potentially even Hardik Pandya would allow India to rotate their squad while handing valuable exposure to less experienced names.
Speaking to the press, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav made it clear that India’s intensity would not dip, regardless of the opposition.
“There are no small teams in T20 cricket, that’s the first thing,” Kuldeep said. “It’s a fast game and very important to adapt to conditions. This team has the experience to tackle everything. We’ll maintain the same approach and intensity.”
That attitude reflects India’s depth, with players like Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Abhishek Sharma eager to make a mark if given more responsibility.
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For Oman, the encounter represents more than just a group-stage fixture. Facing India under lights in Abu Dhabi, possibly in front of a capacity crowd, is a milestone moment. Captain Jatinder Singh’s side have endured two heavy defeats already, but the match offers a chance to play freely, unburdened by qualification pressures. Even a spirited performance could be remembered as a highlight in the nation’s cricketing journey.
Probable Oman XI: Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Wasim Ali, Hassnain Shah, Shah Faisal, Aryan Bisht, Shakeel Ahmed, Samay Shrivastava, Jiten Ramanand.
Probable India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
