Kuldeep, Varun tango a sign of things to come?

India crushed UAE by 9 wickets but watching the two spinners bowl in tandem was the highlight of the game

- Somshuvra Laha

KOLKATA: The result was never in doubt. The way India notched it though caught everyone by surprise. Finding a place for Sanju Samson was understood to be tough but not for Gautam Gambhir. Kuldeep Yadav was finally accommodated, as was Shivam Dube, meaning even though Arshdeep Singh missed out, Hardik Pandya sporting a bold bleached hairdo-doubled up as new-ball bowler along with Jasprit Bumrah.

Axar Patel was picked as well, lending India batting depth till No 8 while not compromising on bowling edge.

They anyway didn't need to bat long. UAE, making their first Asia Cup appearance in 10 years, were rolled over for just 57 in 13.1 overs, leaving Kuldeep on a hat-trick till whenever he plays again.

It was that sort of a comprehensive performance where barring Pandya, every bowler got at least a wicket. UAE tried to hold their own with openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem before they were just outsmarted by a superior game. While it was truly a mismatch of unfair proportions, it did provide a peek into an exciting future for India.

Pandya opening the bowling isn't a new ploy, but Dube getting three wickets in 10 balls definitely raises expectations. UAE batters aren't exactly the international yardstick but if bowling straight was the brief, Dube sure nailed it.