Dubai, Sept 11 (KNS): It was a night full of surprises in Dubai as India’s cricket team defeated the UAE in a T20I, with both selection calls and on-field performances catching many off guard.

India’s wrist spinners set the tone, bowling 25 balls between them, with nearly half turning as googlies. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick, dismissing Harshit Kaushik with a sharp delivery that slipped through the gate. It was Kuldeep’s first T20I since the World Cup final, after being ignored during the entire England Test series. “In this format, length is the key. I was working hard on my bowling and fitness, and everything came together tonight,” he said.

The team sheet too brought surprises. Jitesh Sharma, expected to keep wickets, was left out as Sanju Samson got the gloves and a new role at No. 5. Another twist came with the omission of Arshdeep Singh, India’s World Cup hero, while Shivam Dube was picked as a seam-bowling allrounder. Dube delivered two overs and took three wickets, crediting bowling coach Morne Morkel for recent improvements.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Morne told me to use the crease and vary my pace. That advice has given me confidence,” he said.

Even Jasprit Bumrah looked different on the night. His pace barely touched 140 kmph, and he finished as India’s most expensive bowler, though still producing one trademark yorker to dismiss Alishan Sharafu.

The UAE, after a promising start of 41 for 2 in the PowerPlay, collapsed to 57 all out. Coach Lalchand Rajput admitted his team had been “overawed” by India’s star names. “We should have batted 20 overs. These spinners are rare and very difficult to face,” he said.

Abhishek Sharma then sealed India’s dominance with a first-ball six, ensuring a comfortable finish.

It was a night where almost everything—from team selection to crowd atmosphere—had its own twist. But one truth remained: the gulf between India and UAE cricket is still wide.