India's predicted playing XI for Asian Games 2026 final against Pakistan
India and Pakistan will contest the gold medal match of the Asian Games 2026 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on October 3, with the final scheduled for Saturday. India reached the decider after a commanding semi-final win over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan advanced by beating Bangladesh in the other semi.
India overwhelmed Sri Lanka by 124 runs in their semi-final, with Ishan Kishan scoring 80* off 46 balls and the bowling unit dismissing Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.5 overs. Pakistan chased 112 in a 13-over contest to defeat Bangladesh by six wickets, needing 68 runs in the last six overs; Hasan Nawaz made 27* off 22 and Abdul Samad 30* off 15 to take Pakistan into their first final. For the first time, Pakistan’s men’s cricket team will compete for the gold medal.
Abhishek Sharma’s place in India’s playing XI is confirmed, with his aggressive approach cited as an ideal powerplay option despite the report noting he struggled to score big in the semi-final. The article projects Sharma as a fixed selection for the opening phase.
The projected top and middle order includes Sanju Samson likely at three and taking the wicketkeeping role, while Ishan Kishan—pushed down the order in the semi-final after having played at three— is expected to bat lower in the line-up. Shreyas Iyer is pencilled in at No. 4 and is described as expected to play a major role in strengthening India’s middle order.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old, is listed as a sure-shot pick after continuing an aggressive approach and playing a vital innings in the semi-final, and the report says he will look to score big in the final. Tilak Varma is noted for providing stability and quick runs in the middle overs but did not have a great game against Sri Lanka and would be hoping to improve.
Shivam Dube is identified as one of the most experienced players, having been part of the ICC T20 World Cup squad over the past two seasons; the piece states, "India won both World Cups, and Dube played a massive role," and describes him as the first-choice batting all-rounder whose power-hitting will be important. The spin department is expected to feature Washington Sundar, who "will hold key for India in the game" and also contribute with the bat, alongside Axar Patel, who "can contribute with both the bat and ball." Ravi Bishnoi is projected to lead the spin attack alongside Sundar and Patel, with the report saying the leg-spinner "has been in decent form, and would be hoping to carry good form."
Pace bowling responsibilities highlight Jasprit Bumrah, who "was exceptional against Sri Lanka in the sem-final," with the report noting he "picked two wickets in the opening over, which broke backbone of Sri Lanka." Bumrah is referenced as a key figure for India in the final against Pakistan.
The gold medal match between India and Pakistan will be played on October 3, 2026, at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin and is scheduled to start at 10 AM IST on Saturday.