Ajinkya Rahane backs star all-rounder to provide balance for India in Asia Cup 2025

As the countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 begins, conversations around India’s ideal playing XI have intensified. Former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has now weighed in, stressing that the team’s balance will largely depend on the all-round abilities of Hardik Pandya. According to Rahane, the star all-rounder has the potential to transform the team’s setup if he can bowl his full quota of four overs alongside his finishing role with the bat.

Rahane pointed out that Hardik has long been India’s X-factor in limited-overs cricket. His ability to provide explosive runs in the middle and lower order is well known, but his bowling often dictates the team’s overall equilibrium. In a format where every over counts, having Hardik contribute consistently with the ball allows India to field an extra batter or spinner without compromising depth. Rahane believes that this flexibility could be crucial in the UAE, where conditions are expected to favor both pace in the evening and spin through the middle overs.

"Hardik's role in this Asia Cup will be really important. As an all-rounder, he has done really well for the team in the past. Coming at No. 5 and 6 as a batter, creating that impact, playing with a high strike rate, reading the situation, and playing according to it, he has done it all. I'm sure he can do it again," he said on his YouTube channel.

The veteran batter also highlighted the importance of Axar Patel, who has grown into a multi-dimensional cricketer. Often overshadowed by bigger names, Axar has quietly become one of India’s most dependable performers. His accuracy with the ball, particularly in the powerplay and middle overs, gives India control, while his batting down the order adds a safety net. In addition, his electric fielding makes him a complete package in the T20 format. Rahane described him as underrated and suggested that India must utilize his versatility smartly during the tournament.

India’s campaign begins with a clash against hosts UAE on September 10, and the team will be eager to fine-tune their balance before the crunch fixtures against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. For Rahane, the formula is straightforward: an in-form Hardik providing four overs, coupled with Axar’s all-round value, gives India both stability and flexibility. This combination would allow the management to experiment with attacking top-order options while still maintaining security in the middle and lower order.