5 new players to watch out for in Asia Cup 2025

Only a few hours are left for the excitement of Asia Cup 2025 to begin. This tournament will be played in the UAE today, in which teams from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, Hong Kong and host UAE will clash for the title. This time many such players will also be seen on the field, who will play in the Asia Cup for the first time. These players have already left their mark at the international level and are now ready to shine on this big stage as well.

1. Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)

The Afghanistan team is known for its spinners and now a new name has been added to this list, that of Allah Ghazanfar. This 18-year-old spinner has played limited international matches so far, but has performed brilliantly in domestic and league cricket. He has 55 wickets in 44 T20 matches and the special thing is that his economy is less than 7. He can suddenly surprise any batsman in the Asia Cup.

2. Varun Chakravarthy (India)

Varun Chakravarthy can play an important role in India's spin attack. This bowler, who has played the World Cup, has got a chance to play in the Asia Cup for the first time. He has 33 wickets in 18 international T20 matches. His googly and variations can prove to be a headache for the batsmen. Varun's role will be very important in Gautam Gambhir's strategy.

3. Kamil Mishara (Sri Lanka)

From Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on young batsman Kamil Mishara. In the recent T20 match against Zimbabwe, he surprised everyone by playing an explosive innings of 73 runs. Mishara bats aggressively against fast bowlers and can score runs quickly in the powerplay.

4. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

Pakistan's young batsman Sam Ayub is currently considered the future of the team. This left-handed opening batsman has displayed excellent batting in 41 T20 international matches and has scored runs at a strike rate of 136. He puts pressure on the bowlers right from the beginning. Apart from this, he also bowls part-time when needed. He can prove to be an X-factor for Pakistan.

5. Rishad Hussain (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hussain will play the Asia Cup for the first time. He has taken 48 wickets in 42 T20 matches and also has the ability to hit big shots in the lower order. His bowling can be a challenge for the opposition batsmen and he can play the role of a 'finisher' in batting.