Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his comprehensive analysis of Team India’s composition and strategy for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates. In a surprising move that goes against conventional wisdom, Pathan has picked a player other than the likes of Hardik Pandya or Jasprit Bumrah as the team’s ultimate ‘X-Factor.’
According to Pathan, that role belongs to the enigmatic mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy. Pathan’s reasoning for choosing Chakaravarthy is a compelling narrative centered on redemption and form. He believes that the Asia Cup presents a perfect opportunity for the ace spinner to ‘completely bury the ghosts’ of his last major appearance in the UAE during the T20 World Cup 2021, where he went wicketless across three matches. Pathan’s focus is on Chakaravarthy’s current, exceptional form and his renewed confidence. In a special interaction organized by Sony Sports Network, Pathan stated:
“I am eager to see how Varun Chakaravarthy performs, because it will be kind of like a redemption story for him. He was there in that 2021 WC in the UAE and he did not do well, so I will have an eye on him because he is in solid form now, and he is confident. So out of all these names, to choose one, I’ll go with Varun.”
The numbers back up Pathan’s claim. Chakaravarthy, who is currently the No. 4-ranked T20I bowler, has been a standout performer since his return to the national team under coach Gautam Gambhir, taking an astonishing 31 wickets in just 12 matches. His brilliance was also a major factor in the 2025 IPL campaign, where he finished as Kolkata Knight Riders‘ leading wicket-taker, with 17 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 22.53 and an economy rate of 7.66.
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Beyond his ‘X-Factor’ pick, Pathan also delved into what he believes is the ideal bowling and batting combination for Team India. He highlighted the luxury of having two exceptional all-rounders in Hardik and Axar Patel who can bat in the top seven and provide a full quota of four overs each. This gives the team the ‘freedom to set any bowling combination that you want.’
Pathan’s preferred bowling attack includes three key pacers: Pandya, Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. He also suggested a unique spin combination that may come at the expense of established names. He did not include wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in his ideal combination, instead backing Abhishek Sharma to chip in with his part-time left-arm spin if needed.
“The final combination might be determined by the kind of pitches and dew, but I would go with Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Abhishek Sharma,” Irfan concluded.
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