The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, with the action set to begin on September 9 when Afghanistan take on Hong Kong in the opening clash.
The tournament, which runs until September 28, will see eight teams battle it out for continental supremacy in a nearly three-week-long cricketing spectacle.
For the players, this is not just another multi-nation event, it is also a crucial preparation ground for the T20 World Cup 2026, where performances in the Asia Cup will carry weight in terms of confidence and selection. Many teams have already begun sharpening their skills through bilateral T20 series and franchise cricket across the globe. On that note, let us take a look at five players who could be potential game-changers in the Asia Cup 2025.
5 game changers to watch in Asia Cup 2025
Suryakumar Yadav
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is arguably the most exciting batter in modern T20 cricket. He is known for his fearless, 360-degree strokeplay and his T20I numbers, an average of 38.20 and a strike rate of 167.07, are among the best globally.
The 34-year-old has just returned from a long injury layoff but showed encouraging signs of form in the IPL 2025 while representing Mumbai Indians. He also participated in the Mumbai T20 League after the cash-rich league, ensuring he entered the Asia Cup with valuable match practice under his belt.
Suryakumar has the rare ability to change the course of a match within a few overs, particularly in the middle stages of an innings and can lead the team to another title.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya will have massive role to play in the Asia Cup. The all-rounder has been India’s backbone in white-ball cricket for years, with his dual ability to contribute with both bat and ball. With more than 1500 runs and 75-plus wickets in T20Is, Pandya’s numbers underline his match-winning credentials.
What makes him a true game-changer is his ability to contribute in pressure situations. With the ball, he can break partnerships while with the bat, he is one of the most destructive finishers in world cricket. After his heroics in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he can be expected to replicate a similar performance in the continental tournament.
Saim Ayub
Pakistan’s batting lineup has found a rising star in Saim Ayub. The young left-hander has quickly become one of the most reliable top-order batters for his team. Currently making waves in the UAE T20 Tri-Series, Ayub has demonstrated composure pretty well.
He has the ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate. Ayub does not rely solely on power hitting but uses timing and placement to keep the scoreboard ticking. His capacity to bat deep into the innings provides Pakistan with much-needed stability at the top and can act as a game-changer in the tournament.
Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lankan top-order has found consistency in Pathum Nissanka. The right-hander has been in fine form across formats and recently dominated Zimbabwe in an ODI series. In T20 cricket, Nissanka brings a steady hand at the top of the order. While not always the most aggressive starter, his ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries ensures Sri Lanka rarely struggles in the powerplay.
As Sri Lanka prepare to face tough competition, Nissanka’s reliability will be key for the team. If he can replicate his recent form in the Asia Cup, the Lankans could surprise the opponents and emerge victorious in the tournament.
Mustafizur Rahman
Bangladesh bowling department will largely rest on the experienced shoulders of Mustafizur Rahman. He is known for his deceptive variations, particularly his cutters and slower deliveries, and is one of the most dangerous bowlers in T20 cricket.
With over 300 wickets in the format, Mustafizur has the experience of playing in different leagues worldwide. His biggest strength lies in the death overs, where he often leaves batters forcing errors with his changes of pace.
The conditions in the UAE are expected to work in his favour. If Bangladesh are to make a serious impact in the tournament, Mustafizur will need to lead the bowling attack he has shown over the years.