5 players to watch out for in Asia Cup 2023

The Asia Cup 2023 is set to begin on August 30 the 16th season of Asia’s largest cricket competition will be bigger and more intense as it will feature some of the greatest battles on and off the field. For the first in the history of the tournament, it will be hosted using a hybrid format.

Pakistan along with Sri Lanka will be the co-host of the 50-over format Asia Cup 2023 in a hybrid model. In total 13 matches will be played, out of which 4 will be played in Lahore, Pakistan and the rest 9 will be played in Kandy and Pallekele, Sri Lanka.

There have been many players who have made the ODIs, and especially the Asia Cup more entertaining and tremendous with their performances in crucial matches.

Let's take a look at the 5 players that should be watched out for at the Asia Cup 2023

5. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Source- Twitter)

If Shaheen Afridi is fully fit and will be ready to go for the Asia Cup. He only took part in 8 ODI matches this year, but she has already taken 17 wickets with a 21.82 average. The 23-year-old pacer remains one of Pakistan's greatest assets, though. He is no doubt Pakistan's first-choice pacer who will give them top-order breakthroughs with his swinging ability on both sides.

In last year's Asia Cup, he wasn't able to participate due to a knee injury. He sustained a right knee ligament injury during the first Test against Sri Lanka in 2022. He will definitely look to give some tough challenges for the openers with the new balls and at the deaths with his Yorkers.

4. Mohammad Siraj

Mohammed Siraj (Source- Twitter)

India’s new emerging star in fast bowling, Mohammad Siraj has done some amazing work with his bowling skills and ability. The right-arm faster made his ODI debut in January 2019 against Australia. In ODIs, Mohammad Siraj has bagged 43 wickets in 24 matches with an amazing economy rate of 4.78.

Siraj was ranked first in the ODI Bowlers Rankings on January 21, 2023. However, in the latest Men's ODI Bowling Ranking, Siraj got the 2nd position. Known for his aggressive style on the field, fearsome attitude, and exceptional bowling skills, Siraj could be a game-changer for India in the Asia Cup. He was seen leading an inexperienced attack in West Indies.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga (Source- Twitter)

The 25-year-old Sri Lankan Right-arm leg spinner has taken 67 wickets and made 832 runs in 48 ODI matches. However, in 2023 alone, Hasaranga has taken 28 wickets in 14 matches with a whooping best bowling figure of 6/24 in an inning.

Moreover, Hasaranga has also made 250 runs and snatched 10 wickets in a series. Currently, Wanindu Hasaranga is the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. He claimed fifers in three successive ODIs, becoming only the second bowler after Waqar Younis to accomplish the milestone. At home, he has picked 37 wickets in 23 ODIs with his economy rate being 5.08.

2. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan (Source- Twitter)

The Afghan wrist spinner is now one of the finest spinners in white-ball cricket. The slow pitches in Sri Lanka will certainly suit his style of bowling. Notably, the leg-spinner's ODI bowling average of 18.52 is the best among full-member team bowlers with at least 50 wickets in the format.

Rashid is currently the third-ranked ODI bowler. He can also be a strong contender for the Man of the Tournament award. His hitting ability should not be underestimated because he enjoys taking the ball. He’s so good that he could create trouble for the batters with his spinning trickeries.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has scored 613 runs in 10 innings at an average of 61.3 and a high score of 183. However, in Asia Cup 2022 which was a T20I format in that he was the 2nd highest run scorer. He scored 272 runs in 5 matches. Moreover, this year the former India captain has made 787 runs in 15 ODI matches in which he has made 3 centuries.

His ability to adapt to various game conditions and flourish under duress distinguishes him from other players. He is chasing his 100th international century, as well as his relentless tenacity and mental toughness, it is clear that he has what it takes to emerge as the Asia Cup 2023 Player of the Tournament and win the Asia Cup for India as well.