Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has identified opener Abhishek Sharma as a key player to watch for India in the 2025 Asia Cup, even likening him to an upgraded version of Yuvraj Singh. Abhishek has been in sensational touch since making his T20I debut for India in July last year.
Earlier in 2025, the left-hander smashed the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 37 balls against England. So far, he has built an impressive record in the format, averaging 33.43 with a remarkable strike rate of 193.84 across 17 matches.
Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised Abhishek’s destructive batting abilities and highlighted his potential to be a game-changer for India.
“I am keen to see if Abhishek Sharma’s all-out attacking approach works on these surfaces. But what a player, he is an upgraded version of Yuvraj Singh.”
Ashwin feels Shubman Gill has the potential to pile up runs as he returns to the Indian T20I setup under added pressure.
“There will be some pressure on Shubman Gill to score runs. So at a strike rate of 140-150, he has a great chance to finish as the tournament’s highest run-getter,” he said.
R Ashwin Picks Notable Performers To Watch In Asia Cup 2025
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted a few standout names from rival teams who he believes could make an impact in the 2025 Asia Cup. From Sri Lanka, he mentioned Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and Kamil Mishara as players to keep an eye on.
Ashwin also picked three players each from Afghanistan and Pakistan. His Afghanistan choices were Allah Ghazanfar, Sediqullah Atal, and Gulbadin Naib, while from Pakistan he named Mohammad Nawaz, Fakhar Zaman, and Salman Ali Agha. To round off his list, the veteran off-spinner made a surprise inclusion in Alishan Sharafu, the UAE opener.
The Asia Cup 2025 got underway today in Abu Dhabi, with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the tournament opener.
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