Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his complete evaluation of Workforce India’s composition and technique for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 within the United Arab Emirates. In a stunning transfer that goes in opposition to typical knowledge, Pathan has picked a participant apart from the likes of Hardik Pandya or Jasprit Bumrah because the workforce’s final ‘X-Issue.’
Irfan Pathan picks India’s X-factor for the Asia Cup 2025
In line with Pathan, that position belongs to the enigmatic thriller spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy. Pathan’s reasoning for selecting Chakaravarthy is a compelling narrative centered on redemption and kind. He believes that the Asia Cup presents an ideal alternative for the ace spinner to ‘utterly bury the ghosts’ of his final main look within the UAE throughout the T20 World Cup 2021, the place he went wicketless throughout three matches. Pathan’s focus is on Chakaravarthy’s present, distinctive kind and his renewed confidence. In a particular interplay organized by Sony Sports activities Community, Pathan said:
“I’m desperate to see how Varun Chakaravarthy performs, as a result of will probably be form of like a redemption story for him. He was there in that 2021 WC within the UAE and he didn’t do effectively, so I’ll have an eye fixed on him as a result of he’s in strong kind now, and he’s assured. So out of all these names, to decide on one, I’ll go together with Varun.”
The numbers again up Pathan’s declare. Chakaravarthy, who’s presently the No. 4-ranked T20I bowler, has been a standout performer since his return to the nationwide workforce beneath coach Gautam Gambhir, taking an astonishing 31 wickets in simply 12 matches. His brilliance was additionally a significant component within the 2025 IPL marketing campaign, the place he completed as Kolkata Knight Riders‘ main wicket-taker, with 17 wickets in 13 matches at a mean of twenty-two.53 and an economic system price of seven.66.
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Irfan Pathan’s ultimate bowling mixture for India in Asia Cup 2025
Past his ‘X-Issue’ choose, Pathan additionally delved into what he believes is the best bowling and batting mixture for Workforce India. He highlighted the luxurious of getting two distinctive all-rounders in Hardik and Axar Patel who can bat within the high seven and supply a full quota of 4 overs every. This offers the workforce the ‘freedom to set any bowling mixture that you really want.’
Pathan’s most well-liked bowling assault contains three key pacers: Pandya, Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. He additionally urged a singular spin mixture that will come on the expense of established names. He didn’t embrace wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in his ultimate mixture, as a substitute backing Abhishek Sharma to chip in together with his part-time left-arm spin if wanted.
“The ultimate mixture could be decided by the form of pitches and dew, however I might go together with Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Abhishek Sharma,” Irfan concluded.
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