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With the Asia Cup 2025 set to be played in Dubai, discussions around India’s squad and key performers are already heating up. Former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has weighed in on the matter, identifying a few cricketers who he believes could have a decisive impact on India’s campaign. Rahane explained what makes these players special and why their roles will be crucial in the upcoming continental event.
Ajinkya Rahane names 5 Indian players to watch out for in Asia Cup 2025
Rahane went with one specialized batter, two all-rounders and two specialist bowlers in his list of 5 players to watch out for in the upcoming global showpiece event.
Fearless captain crucial behind India’s potential run
Rahane placed special emphasis on India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav, noting that his fearless approach makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the format. Rahane reckoned Surya’s batting will be crucial for India’s success in the Asia Cup 2025.
“We all know Surya is a dangerous batter in this format. He’s done really well but it will be interesting to see how he goes about his batting especially after the surgery. As a captain, he’s doing fantastic, proactive, and leading the team really well. I feel in this Asia Cup his batting will be really important,” said Rahane on his YouTube video.
The perfect balance
The veteran batter also stressed on Hardik Pandya’s dual role as a middle-order hitter and handy bowler. According to Rahane, Hardik’s strike rate and ability to adapt to game situations make him indispensable at No. 5 or 6. He further mentioned that if Hardik contributes with two to four overs regularly, it will bring perfect balance to the team.
“Hardik’s role in this Asia Cup will be really important. As an all-rounder, he has done really well for the team in the past. Coming at No. 5 and 6 as a batter, creating that impact, playing with a high strike rate, reading the situation, and playing according to it, he has done it all. I’m sure he can do it again,” added Rahane.
Rahane on the underrated cricketer in the team
Among his picks, Rahane called Axar Patel one of the most underrated cricketers. He praised Axar’s consistency in both batting and bowling, noting that the conditions in Dubai will likely suit his spin. Rahane highlighted Axar’s versatility in bowling across powerplay, middle overs, and death overs, making him a captain’s delight.
“I feel he is a very much underrated player. He has improved as a player, as a cricketer in the last two to three years. He has done really well. Whenever he’s got an opportunity as a batter, as a bowler, he has performed really well for the team. He can bowl with the new ball in the powerplay, he can bowl in the middle phase as well, and if needed, he can bowl in death overs. As a captain, when you have a player like Axar Patel in the team, you are always happy. Let’s not forget about his fielding ability as well. And also, Asia Cup is in Dubai. Most probably, the wickets will favor the spinners. So, Axar’s skill work and also experience will come in handy for the team,” reckoned Rahane.
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Deadly bowling combination
Talking about the pace department, Rahane expressed excitement at seeing Jasprit Bumrah back in action. He hailed Bumrah as a genuine match-winner who can choke runs and create pressure even without taking wickets.
“I am really looking forward to seeing Bumrah playing in this Asia Cup. He has played any T20 International this year, but he has been doing really well in the shorter format. His recent form has been really great. He can come in and bowl at any time, create that impact by bowling two tight overs and win two matches. His ability, we all know, he is a match winner. Having Bumrah in your team is always an advantage,” explained Rahane.
Completing his list, Rahane picked Arshdeep Singh as a vital young bowler who complements Bumrah. He highlighted Arshdeep’s ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver accurate yorkers. His variations, particularly slower balls and wide yorkers, make him a dependable bowler in crunch moments.
“I am really excited to see Arshdeep Singh bowling with Jasprit Bumrah. We all know his ability and skill work. He can swing the ball both ways and also bowl two yorkers with the new ball, which is a very good skill to have. You don’t want to depend every time on Bumrah or any other bowler. Arshdeep can bowl two yorkers, straight yorkers, wide yorkers,” said Rahane on Arshdeep.
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