Former India opener Virender Sehwag has chosen three players, Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy, as the three players that India may have as the best match-winners in the next Asia Cup 2025.
India revealed a 15-member squad under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and it is characterized by both youth and experience, with Shubman Gill as a vice-captain. Other members of the squad are Rinku Singh, Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. The reigning champions, put in a group together with UAE, Pakistan and Oman, kick off their campaign on September 10 against the hosts. Sehwag emphasized the fact that the three he referred to can single-handedly make the matches, and thus they are key to the defense of the Indian title.
“He was very effective in the Champions Trophy” – Virender Sehwag praises star performer
Sehwag preferred young opener Abhishek Sharma who made his debut in July 2024. The southpaw, currently on the top of the ICC T20I batter rankings, is known to be fearless and able to take command even in the first over.
“I think Abhishek Sharma can be a game-changer,” Sehwag said on Sony Sports.
The top pacer Jasprit Bumrah was the second name on the former’s list. In recent months, there has been much debate about the fitness of the right-arm fast, particularly when workload management restricted him to just three Test matches during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. A back problem also prevented him from winning the Champions Trophy. But when it comes to the ball, Bumrah is India’s most deadly weapon. He took 18 wickets at an economy rate of 6.67 in 12 games during the 2025 Indian Premier League.
“Bumrah is always a game-changer.”
Virender Sehwag
Finally, he chose Varun Chakravarthy, who may be the X-factor with his surprise twist. Chakravarthy has been in incredible form since his return, taking the most wickets against Bangladesh and then destroying England in a five-match T20I series earlier this year, earning Player of the Series honours. He has established himself as a consistent component of the T20I team after taking 33 wickets at an economy of slightly over seven in his last 18 T20I matches.
“Varun Chakravarthy, with his mystery bowling, was very effective in the Champions Trophy and in the T20 format as well. So, these are some game-changers for India who can win matches on their own.”
Virender Sehwag
