Dinesh Karthik, Harsha Bhogle predict top run-getter and highest wicket-taker in Asia Cup 2025

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As the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 gears up to begin on September 9, cricket experts have started weighing in with their predictions. On a special segment on Cricbuzz, former cricketers Dinesh Karthik and Rohan Gavaskar, along with renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle, shared their thoughts on who could emerge as the tournament’s top performers.

India’s young batting sensation Shubman Gill has been backed by all three panelists to shine in the continental tournament. Karthik was the first to emphasize Gill’s hunger and current form. Karthik reckoned Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 squad has made him more motivated than ever. According to him, the Indian vice-captain will channel this determination into runs, using the Asia Cup as a stage to re-establish himself across formats.

“The top run getter in the Asia Cup for me should be Shubman Gill, purely because the form that he is in but more importantly he has a point to prove. He’s not being part of the T20 setup, he will come there hungry and determined and make sure he gets the big runs for India,” said Karthik.

Bhogle pointed out that Gill’s strength lies in combining consistency with attacking play. In his view, Gill has the perfect balance of temperament and power-hitting, which makes him a safe bet to score heavily in pressure tournaments.

“If you’re looking at a proper batter who bat long enough give you decent strike rate and that’s why I’m going with Shubman Gill,” said Bhogle.

Gavaskar highlighted Gill’s smooth transition from red-ball to white-ball formats. His form in the Test series, according to Gavaskar, proves he is timing the ball well, a sign that he could carry this confidence into the Asia Cup.

“Shuman Gill for the simple reason that he’s a quality player. He’s looked in fabulous touch in that test series tells you that he’s an excellent touch,” said Gavaskar.

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On the bowling front, there was a similar consensus. All three experts agreed that Varun Chakaravarthy, India’s mystery spinner, could walk away as the top wicket-taker of the tournament. Bhogle admitted that his choice was a bit of a gamble since Varun hasn’t been in the spotlight recently. However, he trusts the spinner’s unique variations and mystery element to outfox batters in the Asia Cup.

“I might actually go out on a limb. I don’t know what his current form is and say Varun Chakaravarthy,” added Bhogle.

Gavaskar stressed on Chakaravarthy’s ability to strangle batters in the crucial middle overs. His variations, especially on slower pitches, could prove decisive in breaking partnerships and building pressure.

“Will be Varun Chakaravarthy. Just the way he’s been bowling just the form that he’s in that in the middle overs when he comes out to bowl. I think he’ll be the top wicket-taker of this year’s Asia Cup,” Gavaskar added.

Karthik based his reasoning on Chakaravarthy’s proven track record in UAE conditions. He feels the spinner’s success in Dubai during past tournaments makes him a strong favourite for the Asia Cup as well.

“I feel will be a man who’s been consistent in Dubai every time he’s played across IPL and in the recently concluded ICC champions trophy, Varun Chakaravarthy,” explained Karthik.

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Beyond individual performers, the discussion also touched upon the potential tournament winners. Here too, there was no disagreement among the trio. Karthik, Bhogle, and Gavaskar all tipped Team India as the firm favourites to lift the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.