The Asia Cup 2025 is right around the corner, and those who enjoy T20 cricket can hardly wait. Yes, emphasis is on the big bats and game-changing knocks, but it is the bowler – the unsung hero – who will more than likely determine the outcome of the game. In T20 cricket, batters will take the headlines, but the bowler will always have the ability to change the momentum of the match at any time. The pitches in Dubai are an interesting mix of terrain, very dry, yet there is a little grass for the bowlers, so spin and pace will each have their work cut out! As such, who are the bowlers that are going to take all the honours and lead the wickets column in this Asia Cup? Here are our predictions.
Jasprit Bumrah – IND
Jasprit Bumrah
When it comes to T20 bowling, Jasprit Bumrah has to be part of the conversation. After an injury layoff and a spectacular return at the 2024 T20 World Cup, he has looked sharp and menacing at the international and domestic levels. In IPL 2025, Bumrah took 18 wickets in just 12 games, averaging 17.55 and exhibiting that he is back in rhythm. He has produced some of the best death bowling and toe-crushing yorkers, not to mention his ability to mystify all batters.
Varun Chakaravarthy – IND
Varun Chakaravarthy
Even if Bumrah effectively does his job, India’s Varun Chakaravarthy can tease fate with his mystery spinners while the game slows down during the middle overs. England’s batters found themselves in a spin storm as Chakaravarthy claimed 14 scalps in five games, boasting an incredible average under 10. He has already carried this utility and momentum with him, and going into the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, he has taken 9 wickets in his first three innings.
Rashid Khan – AFG
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan’s tiny dynamo, Rashid Khan, is a bowler who doesn’t just take wickets—he creates panic. With 170 wickets from 100 T20Is and 669 wickets across 491 T20 matches globally, Rashid’s experience is unmatched. In the recent UAE T20I Tri-Series, he picked up nine wickets in four matches, a clear sign that he’s in ominous form. Rashid’s leg-spin is deceptively quick and impossible to read at times, making him a nightmare for batters.
Taskin Ahmed – BAN
Taskin Ahmed
Bangladesh’s rapid pace great, Taskin Ahmed, has shown it is possible to win matches with sheer aggression with the ball in hand. Taskin turned the series into a masterclass of fast bowling, snatching six wickets from just two matches with remarkable efficiency. With Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam batting better than their competitors, the Bangladeshi pacers are a real fear for most batting line-ups.
Dushmantha Chameera – SL
Dushmantha Chameera
Dushmantha Chameera from Sri Lanka also comes fifth, given he has both experience and reliability. The 33-year-old Chameera took 8 wickets in 3 T20Is against Zimbabwe, proving that he still has a lot in the tank. Sure, spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga may gleefully take advantage of the sunshine and humidity, but Chameera’s pace and wicket-taking can see him surprise by moving quietly up the ranking, taking advantage of favourable conditions.
FAQs
- Why are bowlers expected to play a crucial role this season?
Dry pitches favor spinners, while some grass cover will assist pacers, making wickets vital for wins.
- Which Bangladesh bowler could make a major impact?
Taskin Ahmed, with his recent form, is likely to be a key wicket-taker for Bangladesh.
- What makes Chameera an important bowler for Sri Lanka?
His experience and proven record of taking crucial wickets make him a reliable choice.
