India’s cricketing prowess was on full display this week as the Men in Blue stormed past Pakistan in a highly anticipated Group A clash at the 2025 Asia Cup. Yet, as impressive as India’s on-field performance was, the post-match conversation quickly turned to the formidable depth of talent waiting in the wings—a topic that’s got everyone from former players to fans buzzing with excitement and a hint of disbelief.
Former India spinner Murali Kartik, never one to shy away from a bold statement, summed up the current state of Indian cricket with a striking observation. "Just think of the kind of players who are missing out. Somebody like a Sai Sudharsan, an Orange cap holder, can’t make the side. Washington Sundar can’t make the side. Ruturaj Gaikwad can’t make the side. Arshdeep Singh can’t make the XI. These are the kind of players you are talking about," Kartik told Cricbuzz.
It’s almost hard to fathom: Sai Sudharsan, the IPL 2025 Orange Cap holder—an accolade given to the tournament’s highest run-scorer—couldn’t even secure a spot in the Asia Cup squad. For most cricketing nations, a player of Sudharsan’s caliber would be a guaranteed starter, perhaps even the face of the team. But in India’s current setup, competition is so fierce that even the most decorated domestic performers have to wait their turn.
Kartik’s comments came hot on the heels of India’s emphatic seven-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14. In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Suryakumar Yadav and company chased down a modest 128-run target in just 15 overs. The win, as convincing as it was, seemed almost routine for a side brimming with confidence and depth.
But Kartik wasn’t content to just praise the playing XI. He drew attention to the bench strength that makes India a juggernaut in the world of cricket. Alongside Sudharsan, he highlighted the absence of Washington Sundar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both of whom have made waves in domestic and international cricket, as well as Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer who has delivered under pressure in previous outings.
"Just the way they played yesterday. The first ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi there is not even a sighter, which Abhishek Sharma needs. He runs down the track. That is the kind of talent you are talking about," Kartik added, referring to the audacious six Abhishek Sharma hit off the very first delivery of India’s innings. Now, how’s that for making a statement? Sharma, not content to play it safe, charged down the pitch and dispatched Afridi—one of the world’s premier fast bowlers—over the ropes. The message was clear: India’s young guns aren’t just talented, they’re fearless.
This moment set the tone for the match and, arguably, for India’s campaign. It wasn’t just about securing a win against Pakistan; it was about showcasing the sheer depth and variety of talent at India’s disposal. Kartik was quick to point out that while other teams like Hong Kong or Oman might struggle to keep up, India looked "possibly the best side on view. There was no comparison at all." It’s a sentiment echoed by pundits and fans alike, who have marveled at the breadth of options available to the Indian selectors.
What’s perhaps even more intriguing is Kartik’s take on the Indian Premier League’s role in shaping this depth. According to him, the IPL isn’t just a stepping stone to international cricket—it’s a battleground that’s arguably tougher than the global stage itself. "Just think of the number of sides, and this is no disrespect to any side. We talk about international cricket, which means these are countries playing, and you just take the quality of all the IPL sides 1-10. You think of 1, which finishes top in the final. Think of the 10th team, anybody, that is a year which could go wrong for any franchise, but think of the quality in the 10th-placed side that can actually beat most of the international sides," Kartik explained.
It’s a bold claim, but not without merit. The IPL, now firmly established as the world’s premier T20 league, attracts the best talent from across the globe. The competition is relentless, and the pressure to perform is immense. For a player like Sudharsan to dominate such a league—only to find himself sidelined from the national squad—speaks volumes about the current depth of Indian cricket. Kartik didn’t mince words: "So IPL is a tough gig. It is tougher than international cricket because sometimes you can get to play some teams which are not that tough, but they are still playing international cricket."
As India prepares for its next challenge—a Super-Four clash against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19—the conversation around selection headaches is only intensifying. The Men in Blue have already secured their place in the next round, and speculation is rife about whether some of the bench players might get a look-in. But with so much talent vying for so few spots, the selectors’ job is anything but easy.
For fans, it’s a good problem to have. The luxury of depth means India can rotate players without losing quality, adapt to different conditions, and even experiment with new combinations. Yet, for the likes of Sudharsan, Sundar, Gaikwad, and Arshdeep, it’s a reminder that in Indian cricket, nothing is guaranteed—no matter how many runs you score or wickets you take in the IPL.
It’s also a testament to the health of India’s domestic structure. With the IPL serving as a proving ground and the national team setting the bar ever higher, the competition for places is fierce. Youngsters know that even a breakout season in the IPL doesn’t guarantee a spot in the national squad. They must keep pushing, keep improving, and, above all, stay ready for when opportunity knocks.
As the Asia Cup 2025 rolls on, all eyes will be on India—not just for their performance on the field, but for the ongoing saga of selection and the remarkable bench strength that has the cricketing world talking. Whether it’s the audacious six from Abhishek Sharma or the quiet determination of those waiting in the wings, one thing’s for sure: Indian cricket is in very good hands.
With a Super-Four berth already secured and a mouthwatering fixture against Oman on the horizon, the Men in Blue are riding high. For their rivals, the message is clear: if you want to beat India, you’ll have to do more than just outplay the XI on the field—you’ll have to overcome an entire nation’s worth of talent.
