Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has once again made headlines with his bold cricketing insights ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has once again made headlines with his bold cricketing insights ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

Sehwag’s Unexpected Choices
Instead of going with the obvious big names, Sehwag turned the spotlight on impact players who, according to him, can swing matches in India’s favor:
1. Jasprit Bumrah – The Ultimate Match-Winner
Sehwag praised Bumrah as India’s “biggest game-changer,” emphasizing his ability to deliver in crunch moments. Be it the powerplay, middle overs, or death bowling, Bumrah has been India’s go-to pacer who never lets pressure get to him. Sehwag noted that his “two overs can change the course of any match.”
2. Abhishek Sharma – The Fearless Young Gun
The former opener highlighted young Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach as a key factor. Known for his aggressive batting and clean hitting, Abhishek can provide India explosive starts. Sehwag believes his style of batting “can instantly shift momentum and put the opposition on the backfoot.”
3. Varun Chakravarthy – The Mystery Spinner
While fans expected names like Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel, Sehwag went with Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner. His variations and unorthodox style make him unpredictable, especially in T20 cricket. Sehwag said Varun could be India’s “X-factor,” particularly against teams not used to his style.
Why Not Gill, SKY, or Samson?
Sehwag clarified that while stars like Gill, SKY, and Samson are exceptional, he wanted to pick players who bring something “different and decisive” to the table. He explained that in a short T20 tournament like the Asia Cup, even one impactful spell or quickfire knock can tilt the balance.
This makes bowlers like Bumrah, explosive youngsters like Abhishek, and unpredictable spinners like Varun far more crucial than the regular run-scorers.
Asia Cup 2025 – High Stakes For Team India
The Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 in the UAE, will be India’s final big test before the T20 World Cup 2026 at home.
India’s group-stage fixtures are already generating buzz:
- September 10 – vs UAE
- September 14 – vs Pakistan (the blockbuster clash)
- September 19 – vs Oman
Under captain Suryakumar Yadav, Team India is being considered the strongest contender for the trophy, but Sehwag’s bold remarks remind fans that impact players, not just superstars, win tournaments.
Read Also: India full Squad for Asia cup 2025
Sehwag’s Cricketing Wisdom Still Resonates
As someone who once redefined India’s batting approach with fearless aggression, Sehwag’s opinion carries weight. He knows that cricket is not always about the most famous players—it’s about those who can handle pressure and deliver when it matters most.
By picking Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, and Varun Chakravarthy, Sehwag has made it clear that India’s Asia Cup campaign will rely not only on the usual stars but also on these underlined match-winners.
In Short:
The stage is set for an exciting Asia Cup 2025, and Sehwag’s bold predictions have already added spice to the build-up. Whether his picks prove right or not, one thing is certain—Team India has the depth and talent to dominate.
If Bumrah fires with the ball, Abhishek provides fiery starts, and Varun baffles batters with his spin, India could be unstoppable. And if that happens, fans might just say—“Sehwag saw it coming.”