Former all-rounder turned commentator Irfan Pathan picked his top five performers for India from the Asia Cup 2025 as well. The Indian team registered a five-wicket win over Pakistan to clinch the trophy. Irfan added that the win in the final was a statement that there was no contest between the two nations as well.
“Varun’s greatest strength is his comeback ability. When Suryakumar needs a spinner in the powerplay, he trusts Varun. In the final, when there was a big partnership, Varun was brought in and took out Sahibzada Farhan. Even if he got hit for runs earlier, he made necessary changes and picked up wickets, breaking partnerships,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“Shivam Dube shines under pressure, especially as Hardik Pandya was unavailable. He had to bowl with the new ball in the final against Pakistan. In batting, he came in with India needing 70 runs from 46 balls and was there until just 10 runs were needed off the last 6 balls. Though seen mostly as someone who attacks spinners, he smashed Haris Rauf for boundaries in the death overs,” he shared.
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“Currently, there’s no bigger match-winning spinner than Kuldeep. In the final, his spell changed the game, dismissing top batters in crucial overs, including a triple wicket in one over that rapidly collapsed Pakistan’s lineup. His bowling is always tough for Pakistani batters to read,” he stated again.
“He built his innings patiently, focusing on singles before unleashing crucial boundaries. His sweep shots and calmness under pressure proved critical, showing maturity and technique. That match-winning innings will be remembered alongside the best played against Pakistan. It may move him into leadership conversations for the future. This innings erased any doubts about his capability,” Irfan expressed.
“Playing high-risk cricket with a 200+ strike rate, he continues the template set by Rohit Sharma for aggressive openers. His style, with a loose grip and flowing bat, makes for explosive shots, pull, hook, cut, step-out against fast bowlers. Abhishek refused to slow down, consistently targeting top bowlers and changing matches. He’s the most dangerous opener India’s had in T20s,” he said again.
However, Irfan Pathan also opined on the performance of other Indian players in the Asia Cup 2025. He praised the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel for making key contributions at various phases as well.
“Other players also did well, not like they did not. Jasprit Bumrah bowled well. Hardik had one good innings. Axar also played a 21-run cameo in between and picked up wickets as well. This Indian team is heading towards greatness,” Irfan Pathan concluded.
