India earned a dominating victory during their opening clash of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, when they chased down 58 runs in just 4.3 overs of the innings. In comparison, the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan side was not up to the mark against Oman with the bat.

The former left-arm pacer of the side, Wahab Riaz, however, has called for the change of playing eleven for the upcoming clash against the Blue Brigade. He reckoned that the management should look to bring the aggressive pacer, Haris Rauf, into the side and leave one of the spinners of the eleven.

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“I think they should include Haris Rauf. They need another pacer against India because they have been exceptional against the spin bowling, and we know they are very destructive. Their batters have been destructive. So, I believe that there should be one of the main fast bowlers who has to come back. You just can’t depend on the four spinners to.” Riaz expressed during a recent interaction on ESPNcricinfo.

Wahab Riaz targets to bring Haris Rauf in Pakistan’s team for Asia Cup 2025 clash vs India

The right-arm pacer, Rauf, has overall picked up 124 T20I wickets in 87 innings at an average of 21.30 and a strike rate of 15.3 with an economy rate of 8.34, thanks to the best bowling figure of 4/18 in an innings. In T20s, he has grabbed 332 wickets at an average of 22.34 and an economy rate of 8.43.

'Can't go without Haris Rauf against India' - Wahab Riaz

Agree, Pakistan fans? #TimeOut | #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/97iTNo90uA

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 14, 2025

“I would never go like that, and that’s what I think. So, they should include a fast bowler instead of the spinners. Haris is someone that anyone can leave that space for him because he is an impact player.” Riaz addressed during the same interaction.

“And I believe that they need to go with him; otherwise, they will have to go with Sahibzada Farhan. Or maybe Mohammed Haris, but they have to leave the space for Rauf to come.” The left-arm pacer was added as he was prepared to reduce their batting depth to bring Rauf into the eleven.