Asia Cup 2025: 5 Batters to watch out for in the tournament

Asia Cup 2025 to ignite UAE deserts from 9-28 September with 8 teams competing for T20 crown As India protect their crown and old foes Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan look to topple them, there are a few batters who have made an impression with their recent fireworks and consistency. Here are 5 players to watch when the tournament gets underway.

1. Abhishek Sharma (India)

The southpaw opener has exploded onto the global stage with a brazen style. In July 2024, Sharma slammed a record-breaking T20I century (100 off 48 balls) against Zimbabwe, becoming the fastest Indian to a hundred in the format. Earlier in 2025, he torched England for 135 off 54, including 13 sixes and 7 fours, to fire India to a 4–1 series win. 

Now he has risen to the top and is the the format’s Number 1 batter. With India anticipated to kick things off with a top three of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sharma and Samson, he’ll be aiming to deliver those quickfire starts that can flip games on their head.

2. Suryakumar Yadav (India)

As India’s T20I captain, ‘SKY’ provides both flair and experience. Since his international debut in March 2021, he has scored 2,598 T20I runs at an average of 38.20, with four centuries and 21 half-centuries in 83 appearances. 

His innovative stroke-play, which got him the “Mr. 360” label, kept bowlers guessing as to what trick he would pull out next, his leadership will be key in the Super Four stage. Having led the ICC T20I rankings for 20 months in a row and secured back to back ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year honours (2022, 2023), Yadav’s form and tactical nous make him invaluable.

3. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka’s reliable opener has evolved into one of their most consistent T20I players. In 65 T20Is, Nissanka has accumulated 1,854 runs at 30.39, 14 fifties and a best of 90. His masterly use of the crease and fluent cover drives were in evidence at the 2024 Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, where he laid solid foundations and useful partnerships. With Sri Lanka’s batting depth under question, Nissanka’s talent to negotiate the new ball and drive through the Powerplay cements his worth.

4. Tilak Varma (India)

India’s middle-order rising star, Tilak famously made a splash with a blistering T20I century in November 2024 – 107 from 56 balls*, which he then backed up just two days later with a 120-ball knock of 47*. Unbeaten tons of both flair and grit. He shattered the record for most runs between two dismissals and continued to be a run-scoring machine for the team. 

As an attacking middle-order hitter or finisher, he provides stroke‑play and calm and is ready to excel in pressure‑cooker situations. He will certainly have a lot of attention on him in the upcoming Asia Cup.

5. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)

The young Afghan opener injects fearless aggression into the crease. Despite being more renown for his ODI exploits with six hundreds in 28 matches at 50.08, he’s taken to T20Is, compiling 1105 runs in 44 games at 29.07, with eight fifties and a top score of 70*. Fresh from his record-breaking 177* in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Zadran’s panache against pace and spin will be crucial for Afghanistan’s prospects, particularly on the UAE’s slow pitches where nimble hands and improvisation yield rewards

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