The Asia Cup 2025, held in the UAE from September 9–28, is looking to be the most competitive one so far. With eight sides participating in the T20I format, the tournament is set to feature both experienced campaigners and new players on the block. Defending champions India start anew under Suryakumar Yadav, while Afghanistan seek to take their T20 World Cup form into the event with Rashid Khan leading the side. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and others introduce their own match-winners into the limelight. The fans all around the globe will be stuck to each confrontation, eager to observe which players will come up and swing matches in their team's direction. Here's a brief overview of the top player to watch for every team, along with their influence and stats prior to the major tournament. Best Players to Watch in Asia Cup 2025 Team Players T20I Stats India Suryakumar Yadav (Batter) 2598 runs, Avg 38.2, SR 167.07 Pakistan Shaheen Afridi (Bowler) 107 wickets, Econ 7.8, Best 4/22 Sri Lanka Wanindu Hasaranga (All-rounder) 131 wickets, Econ 6.98, 712 runs Bangladesh Mustafizur Rahman (Bowler) 142 wickets, Econ 7.30, Best 6/10 Afghanistan Rashid Khan (All-rounder) 167 wickets, Econ 6.09, 514 runs Hong Kong China Babar Hayat (Batter) 2216 runs, Avg 28.41, SR 131.20 Oman Jatinder Singh (Batter) 1399 runs, Avg 24.54, SR 118.55 UAE Muhammad Waseem (Batter) 2922 runs, Avg 37.9, SR 155.67 Best Players to Watch in Asia Cup 2025 Detailed Analysis Suryakumar Yadav Image Source : Associated Press India's shift towards a post-Kohli and post-Rohit phase gets its rhythm in Suryakumar Yadav, the No.1 T20 batter in the world. "Mr. 360°" is how he is nicknamed, as he combines innovation with continuity, and he is India's most lethal weapon. Having a average of over 40 and a strike rate of over 170, SKY has the potential to break any bowling attack. As the captain, his leadership skills and aggressive batting approach will prove decisive for India's quest for a ninth Asia Cup trophy. Also Read | Suryakumar Yadav Biography: Family, Career, Records, IPL - All Details Shaheen Afridi Image Source : Associated Press In big tournaments, Shaheen Afridi is Pakistan's ace. His left-arm swing, early movement, and killer yorkers have hauntied batters globally. With more than 100 T20I wickets already to his name in his career, Shaheen has the ability to perform under pressure, breaking stands at decisive times. Pakistan's young batting might be transitioning, but their bowling attack, led by Shaheen, guarantees that they're still a threat in UAE conditions. Wanindu Hasaranga Image Source : Getty Images There are few players who control a T20 match like Wanindu Hasaranga. A leg-spinner all-rounder capable of taking wickets in the middle overs and hitting runs at a great pace lower down the order, he is Sri Lanka's match-winner. Regardless of recent injury scares, Hasaranga's T20I record says it all—frugal bowling, wicket-taking reliability, and the temperament to manage pressure situations. If Sri Lanka are to take continental glory back, Hasaranga's magic will be at its core. Mustafizur Rahman Image Source : Associated Press Known as "The Fizz," Mustafizur Rahman is Bangladesh's best match-winner in T20 cricket. His cutters and variations render him deadly, particularly on slow UAE pitches. With more than 140 T20I wickets to his name, Mustafizur is among the most experienced bowlers in the tournament. Bangladesh's batting tends to be hot and cold, but backed by Mustafizur at the helm of the bowling unit, they always stand a chance to beat stronger teams. Also Read | Asia Cup 2025 Squad Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses of All Teams Rashid Khan Image Source : Getty Images The Afghan cricketing superstar, Rashid Khan, is still reigning supreme in world cricket with his unusual mix of control, aggression, and all-rounder's skills. Having already 130+ wickets in T20Is, his economy rate below seven is world-class. And when we combine that with his explosive lower-order batting, you get one of the most well-rounded T20 cricketers in the business. Afghanistan's fearless cricketing approach flourishes under Rashid's leadership, and he will be their biggest hope of a historic run. Babar Hayat Image Source : Getty Images One of the pillars of Hong Kong cricket, Babar Hayat is a force with his experience and power-hitting skills. With almost 2,000+ runs in T20I cricket, he has had to shoulder the batting responsibility often with his short game. Although Hong Kong lacks the depth other teams possess, Hayat's capacity to accelerate and play long innings makes him their go-to match-winner. His output will be crucial if they are to compete against larger teams within their pool. Also Read | Asia Cup History: Champions, Records, and Highlights Jatinder Singh Image Source : Getty Images For Oman, reliability has a name: Jatinder Singh. The dashing top-order batsman has anchored innings and made match-winning performances throughout the years. With more than 1000+ T20I runs, he is Oman's most reliable batter, famous for blending solidity with match-knowledgeable aggression. In comparison to better teams, Singh's capacity to steady the innings will be Oman's greatest strength in the Asia Cup 2025. Muhammad Waseem Image Source : Getty Images Hosts UAE will depend mostly on their skipper Muhammad Waseem, a match-winning batsman. Having more than 2,000 T20I runs at a strike rate of almost 155, he has the unique talent to overpower pace and spin alike. As captain, Waseem will look to employ home conditions to unite his team to take on big-fry opponents. His form may determine how much UAE go in the tournament. Conclusion The Asia Cup 2025 is not only about teams but also players who can change games overnight. From international superstars such as Suryakumar Yadav, Rashid Khan, and Shaheen Afridi, to motivational performers such as Babar Hayat, Jatinder Singh, and Muhammad Waseem, the tournament has a thrilling combination of talent. These eight players are more than just their team's spine—they are the ones spectators will pay to see. As cricket's most explosive format collides with Asia's most intense rivalries, fireworks, drama, and unforgettable acts await.