Virender Sehwag picks his three game-changers for India in Asia Cup 2025

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, former opener Virender Sehwag picked his three players that he feels could be India’s biggest match-winners in the tournament: Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy. Team India is set to begin its campaign on September 10 against the UAE, with Suryakumar Yadav set to lead a 15-member squad.

India’s Asia Cup squad features a mix of young and experienced players. With Suryakumar handed the captaincy duty, Shubman Gill is his deputy, while the team also includes names like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Rinku Singh. Placed in Group A alongside the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman, the Men in Blue are eyeing a strong start as they defend their continental title. However, Sehwag mentioned three names who, according to him, have the potential to change games single-handedly.

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He was very effective in the Champions Trophy: Sehwag

Sehwag’s first pick was young opener Abhishek Sharma, who made his debut in July 2024. Currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC T20I batter rankings, the southpaw is known for his fearless approach and ability to dominate from the very first over. 

“I think Abhishek Sharma can be a game-changer,” Sehwag said on Sony Sports.

The second name on the former's list was ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The right-arm quick's fitness has been a topic of discussion in recent months, especially after workload management limited him to just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He also missed the Champions Trophy due to a back issue. However, Bumrah is India’s most lethal weapon with the ball. In IPL 2025, he bagged 18 wickets in 12 games at an economy of 6.67.

"Bumrah is always a game-changer," he added.

At last, he went for Varun Chakravarthy, who could be the X-factor with his mystery spin. Since his comeback, Chakravarthy has been in outstanding form, leading the wicket charts against Bangladesh and later dismantling England in a five-match T20I series earlier this year, where he was named Player of the Series. With 33 wickets in his last 18 T20Is at an economy of just over seven, he has become a regular member of the T20I squad.

"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,” he concluded.