From Kuldeep's mastery to Dube's golden arm, how India's bowling brilliance paved the way to glory
The Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai was full of drama. While
India's eventual five-wicket victory over PAK secured a record-extending ninth title, the post-match scenes grabbed headlines when Suryakumar Yadav's men refused to accept their medals and trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. However, beyond the off-field theatrics, what remained was a campaign powered by India’s bowlers. Time and again, they dismantled opposition line-ups, never letting rivals take control.
Below are India's standout wicket-takers whose skill with the ball defined the tournament.
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Kuldeep Yadav - the spinner supreme
Kuldeep Yadav was truly mesmerising in the Asia Cup 2025. With 17 wickets in 7 matches, he not only finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker but also set a record for the most wickets in a single Asia Cup edition, surpassing Al-Amin Hossain’s tally of 11.
Matches: 7 | Wickets: 17 | Average: 9.29 | Economy: 6.27 | Best: 4/7 vs UAE
In the final against PAK, Kuldeep delivered a crucial 4/30, tearing through their middle order and causing a collapse of 9 wickets for 33 runs.
His variety—drift, dip, and sharp turn—made him nearly impossible to play, cementing his status as India’s spin spearhead in T20Is.
Varun Chakravarthy - the mystery factor
The rise of Varun Chakravarthy has been equally remarkable. The mystery spinner took 7 wickets in 6 matches, often bowling the difficult overs and inducing errors from experienced batters.
Matches: 6 | Wickets: 7 | Average: 20.42 | Economy: 6.50 | Best: 2/29 vs PAK (Final)
Against PAK in the Super Four, he dismissed Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, pivotal breakthroughs that shifted momentum back in India’s favour.
His most significant achievement from the Asia Cup 2025 is reaffirming his status as the world’s No. 1 T20I spinner.
Jasprit Bumrah - the strike weapon
No Indian bowling story is complete without Jasprit Bumrah. Although not at his ruthless best, Bumrah’s 7 wickets in five matches were packed with moments of high impact.
Matches: 5 | Wickets: 7 | Average: 19.28 | Economy: 7.43 | Best: 2/18
In the final, his double strike, including Haris Rauf, evoked memories of his resilience in critical moments. His “fighter jet” celebration after the dismissal made headlines, serving as a pointed reply to Rauf’s earlier gesture.
Even in a tournament that was costly by his standards, Bumrah remained India’s insurance policy whenever PAK or Bangladesh threatened to break free.
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Axar Patel - the silent enforcer
Often underrated, Axar Patel’s contribution was significant. He ended with 6 wickets in 7 matches, maintaining an economy rate below 7, which highlights his control during the middle overs.
Matches: 7 | Wickets: 6 | Average: 23.00 | Economy: 6.90 | Best: 2/18
His spell of 2/26 in the final limited PAK’s lower order, part of the spin trio alongside Kuldeep and Varun that restricted their scoring.
Axar also received the Impact Player of the Match award earlier in the tournament against PAK, recognising his all-round consistency.
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Shivam Dube - the surprise package
Shivam Dube’s bowling renaissance was one of India’s biggest positives. Once regarded mainly as a batting all-rounder, he finished with 5 wickets in six matches, delivering crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
Matches: 6 | Wickets: 5 | Average: 20.20 | Economy: 7.76 | Best: 3/4 vs UAE
That spell against the UAE (3/4) was his career-best, demonstrating his clever use of slower balls.
In the Super Four clash against PAK, he dismissed both Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, stopping their aggressive charge.
