With the Asia Cup 2025 just days away, all eyes are on India's squad and the players who could make the biggest impact. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Men in Blue into the tournament but the focus is not just on the captain or established stars.
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Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has weighed in on which players he believes could tilt the balance for India in the continental tournament.
Irfan Pathan names Varun Chakravarthy as India's surprise package
Speaking to Firstpost, Pathan pointed out that while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel will be vital as all-rounders, Varun Chakravarthy is the player he sees as India's X-factor. The 34-year-old mystery spinner was in exceptional touch earlier this year - taking 14 wickets in just five T20Is against England.
"Apart from Bumrah, it's very difficult to find another X-factor. Then there are two all-rounders - Hardik and Axar. You always think of all-rounders as X-factors because they can do two jobs. But I will be excited to see how Varun Chakravarthy performs, because it will be a bit of a redemption story for him," Pathan said.
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Redemption after 2021 World Cup struggles
Pathan also recalled Chakravarthy's tough run in the 2021 T20 World Cup where he went wicketless in three matches. Since then, his career has taken an upward turn.
Apart from consistent T20I performances, he was one of India's top performers in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year - finishing as joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets.
"In the 2021 T20 World Cup, I don't think he did well. My focus will be on Varun Chakravarthy because he is in solid form right now and has a lot of confidence, so he can definitely bring that X-factor," Pathan added.
While highlighting Chakravarthy, Pathan also underlined that Jasprit Bumrah remains India's other standout X-factor with the ball. His experience and skill at the death continue to make him India's biggest asset in high-pressure games.
India begin their Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10 before the clash against Pakistan on September 14.