5 players who can win Player Of The Tournament in Asia Cup

Asia's greatest competition is back with its 16th edition. The Asia Cup is set to begin on August 30 and run through September 17, 2023. The event will be held in a hybrid format for the first time in its history. 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.

Here are 5 Players who can win Player Of The Tournament in Asia Cup 2023

5. Babar Azam

Babar Azam (source- Twitter)

The Pakistan captain Babar Azam is a strong contender for Asia Cup 2023 Player of the Tournament. Due to his superb batting technique and consistent performances, he has established himself as one of the best batters in international cricket.

He now has the highest ODI average in the world at 59.5. His exceptional consistency in scoring runs, along with his hunger for big scores, make him a dependable pillar for Pakistan’s batting line-up. The Pakistan fans will be hopeful that he scores some runs in the Asia Cup.

4. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Source- Twitter)

If Shaheen Afridi is totally fit and ready to compete in the Asia Cup. He just played in 8 One-Day Internationals this year, but he has already taken 17 wickets at a 21.82 average. However, the 23-year-old bowler remains one of Pakistan's most valuable assets. He is without a doubt Pakistan's first-choice bowler and his swinging ability on both sides will provide top-order breakthroughs.

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. The 23-year-old bowler will definitely look to give some tough challenges for the openers with the new balls and at the deaths with his Yorkers. He will be another contender for the Player of the Tournament.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga (Source- Twitter)

The 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, he has also made 250 runs and picked 10 wickets in a series. Currently, Wanindu Hasaranga is the leading wicket-taker in the Lanka Premier League 2023. 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. Shubhman Gill 

Shubman Gill (Source- Twitter)

Shubhman Gill is  2nd in the list and might be a strong contender for Asia Cup Player of the Match in 2023. Gill is the biggest Indian sensation and the year’s highest run scorer in 2023. The 23-year-old batter has also risen to the top 4 ODI batters in the world in just a few months.

Shubman has an ODI average of 62 runs and is one of the few batsmen to have scored a double century in only 27 ODIs. In 2023, Gill made 624 runs in nine matches with an unbelievable average of 78.00. The right-handed top-order batsman is known for his temperament and match-winning knocks. Gill has also won the orange cap in IPL 2023 by smashing 890 runs, the second-highest score in a single IPL season.

1. Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli (Source- Twitter)

The former India captain 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, 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.