The Asia Cup 2025 starts on Tuesday, September 9, and veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has shared his thoughts on the team’s chances. He called all-rounder Axar Patel a “underrated player” whose efforts will be very important. The tournament starts with a game between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. India’s first game will be against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, with Suryakumar Yadav as captain.
Rahane talked about how much better Axar’s game has gotten in the last two to three years on his own YouTube channel. “I think he is a player who doesn’t get enough credit. He has gotten better as a player and as a cricketer in the last two to three years. Rahane said, “He has done really well.” He also said that Axar has always come through for the team when he has had the chance, whether it was with the bat or the ball.
Rahane said that Axar is a very flexible bowler who can do well in all parts of the game. Rahane said, “He can bowl with the new ball in the powerplay, in the middle phase, and if needed, he can bowl in the death overs.” He also talked about how valuable a guy like Axar is to a captain, both as a bowler and as a fielder. Rahane thinks that Axar’s experience and abilities will be a big help to the team because the tournament is in Dubai, where surfaces are thought to be good for spinners.
The seasoned hitter also said he had faith in another important all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, and stressed how important he is to the team. “Hardik’s role in this Asia Cup will be very important,” Rahane added. He talked about Pandya’s earlier performances, saying that he has been a high-impact batsman at numbers 5 and 6 and can read the game and play appropriately. Rahane really highlighted how important it was for Pandya to help out with his bowling. He said, “What I want to see from Hardik is bowling his four overs for the team.” The squad can have a really nice balance if he can do that and bowl those four overs.
As India gets ready to defend its title, Rahane’s comments show how important these all-rounders will be in their quest for a record ninth Asia Cup victory.