The Asia Cup 2025 concluded on September 28, with India lifting the trophy after a thrilling final against Pakistan. Notably, much of the focus has been on standout performances and game-changing moments.
However, the team qualified for the Super Four stage had players who spent more time on the bench than on the field, yet had the potential to change their team's fortunes.
The team combinations, form concerns, and choices led to some talented cricketers being underutilized. If these players were utilized well, their teams could have had a differently looking campaign.
Let's look at one benched player from each team who deserved more chances in Asia Cup 2025
4. Chamika Karunaratne: Sri Lanka
One player who could have added balance to the Sri Lankan team in this tournament was Chamika Karunaratne. In the single chance he got, Chamika scored an unbeaten 17 against Pakistan and bowled a spell of 0/11. Instead of being restricted to the bench, Sri Lanka could have trusted him in the Super Fours stage, as they lost all three games in the do-or-die leg.
The 29-year-old has often rescued the Lankan Lions in required moments with both bat and ball. With over 1,200 T20 runs at a strike rate above 125 and nearly 100 wickets in the format, he has the ability of a lower-order finisher who can chip in with important breakthroughs. His ability to handle pressure and contribute in multiple departments makes him a valuable player.
3. Tanzim Hasan Sakib: Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign ended with back-to-back defeats to India and Pakistan, but one player who deserved more chances was pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib. In the limited opportunities he got, the right-arm speedster ended with figures of 1/29 against India and 1/23 against Sri Lanka, while keeping things tight with the new ball.
Notably, he was Bangladesh’s best pacer in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he claimed 11 wickets, including a memorable 4/7 against Nepal. However, despite his brilliance, he was benched for matches in the Super Four stage. At a time when Bangladesh’s attack looked flat, his wicket-taking ability could have turned things around.
2. Pakistan: Sufiyan Muqeem
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign ended on a disappointing note after losing the final to India, and one name that could have made a difference was left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. Despite being on the bench for much of the edition, Muqeem had shown moments of his X-Factor in earlier games. Against Oman, he finished with a spell of 2/7, while against India, he picked no wickets.
With career T20I figures of 27 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 14.74 and an economy of 6.28, he has proven himself as a reliable option. In a team packed with big names, Pakistan’s management perhaps overlooked his impact. Had they trusted him in the crunch stages, the result against India might have been different.
1. India: Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign was limited to just two games. Despite not being India’s go-to pacer in this tournament, the left-armer delivered when it mattered most. Against Oman, he bagged a single wicket, but his best moment came in the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka. Notably, in the Oman clash, he became the first Indian to claim 100 T20I wickets.
With Jasprit Bumrah rested, Arshdeep was handed the Super Over contest. In the game, he leaked 46 runs, bagging a sole wicket, but his Super Over tilted the game toward India's favour. Dismissing Kusal Perera on the first ball and then outfoxing Dasun Shanaka, he conceded just two runs in five balls, reducing Sri Lanka to 2/2. The Men in Blue chased down the target with ease.
