The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to host the 17th edition of the Asia Cup in 2025, one of the most celebrated tournaments in Asian cricket. Over the years, the Asia Cup has produced countless unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and iconic rivalries among cricketing powerhouses such as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
India remain the most successful team in the history of the Asia Cup with seven ODI titles and one T20I trophy, while Sri Lanka are close behind with six titles. These two Asian giants have not only dominated the competition but also produced some of the greatest cricketers to ever grace the tournament.
Here’s our pick for the Asia Cup Greatest XI of All Time — a dream team filled with batting legends, bowling masters, and game-changing all-rounders.
Asia Cup Greatest XI of All Time
- Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – Opener
- Rohit Sharma (India) – Opener
- Virat Kohli (India)
- Sachin Tendulkar (India)
- Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
- Ravindra Jadeja (India)
- MS Dhoni (India) – Wicketkeeper
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
- Jasprit Bumrah (India)
- Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Opening Pair: Jayasuriya & Rohit Sharma
Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya is the automatic choice at the top of the order. With 1,220 Asia Cup runs, including six centuries and three half-centuries, he remains the tournament’s all-time highest run-scorer. His ability to decimate bowling attacks with fearless strokeplay redefined Asian cricket in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Partnering him is India’s modern-day giant Rohit Sharma, who has amassed over 1,200 runs across both ODI and T20I Asia Cups. Known for his effortless six-hitting ability and record-breaking double centuries in ODIs, Rohit perfectly complements Jayasuriya’s aggressive groundstrokes, making them a dream opening duo.
Middle Order: Virat Kohli & Sachin Tendulkar
At No. 3 comes Virat Kohli, famously nicknamed the King of Chases. With multiple Asia Cup hundreds, Kohli has consistently dominated high-pressure matches against arch-rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka. His unmatched cover drives and consistency make him indispensable in this XI.
Following him is the God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar. With over 18,000 ODI runs and countless Asia Cup milestones, Tendulkar remains one of the most prolific batters in tournament history. The Kohli-Tendulkar pairing at No. 3 and No. 4 brings together elegance, power, and reliability.
All-Round Strength: Shoaib Malik & Ravindra Jadeja
At No. 5, Shoaib Malik of Pakistan adds balance to the lineup. One of the most dependable middle-order players, Malik has scored heavily in Asia Cups and provided crucial overs with his off-spin, often turning games in Pakistan’s favor.
India’s Ravindra Jadeja takes the No. 6 role, offering a perfect blend of batting, spin bowling, and electrifying fielding. Jadeja’s quick left-arm spin and finishing skills with the bat make him one of the finest all-rounders in Asia Cup history.
Wicketkeeper & Finisher: MS Dhoni
No greatest Asia Cup XI is complete without MS Dhoni. As captain, Dhoni led India to multiple Asia Cup triumphs and was the architect of countless victories with his ice-cool finishing ability. His sharp wicketkeeping and tactical brilliance behind the stumps add immense value to this side.
Spin Kings: Rashid Khan & Muttiah Muralitharan
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is chosen as the impact spinner, thanks to his lethal googlies and ability to strangle batters in the middle overs. Despite Afghanistan being relatively new to the Asia Cup, Rashid has already made his mark as one of the world’s premier T20I bowlers.
Partnering him is Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in international cricket. With his unplayable doosras and unmatched consistency, Murali tormented batters across Asia and remains a pillar of Sri Lanka’s dominance.
Pace Attack: Jasprit Bumrah & Lasith Malinga
India’s Jasprit Bumrah is selected as the spearhead of the attack. With his deadly yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and match-winning spells, Bumrah has proven to be one of the finest modern-day pacers in Asia Cup history.
Alongside him, Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga completes the bowling unit. Known as the Slinga Malinga, he remains the Asia Cup’s most successful fast bowler, with match-winning spells including the unforgettable 5-wicket hauls that defined Sri Lanka’s campaigns.
Conclusion
This Asia Cup Greatest XI blends the flamboyance of Jayasuriya, the power of Rohit Sharma, the class of Kohli and Tendulkar, the versatility of Malik and Jadeja, the leadership of MS Dhoni, the guile of Rashid Khan and Muralitharan, and the firepower of Bumrah and Malinga.
Together, this side represents the very best of Asian cricket — a lineup that could dominate any opposition in any era.
As his jersey depicts MS Dhoni will always be the number 7 in the all-time squad. Apart from being the most successful Indian captain, Dhoni is one of the best finishers and wicket-keepers that cricket has ever produced.
Rashid Khan is the T20I leading wicket-taker of all time. In current days, batters still find to daunting to study his spin trap. In his support, the highest wicket-taker of all time in cricket’s history Muttiah Muralidaran will bewilder the batters with his wizardious spin trap.
The last two are the deadly yorkers kings of this game, Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga. Batters are always horrified when these takes the ball in their hand.
This Greatest XI squad has six Indian, three Sri Lankans, one Paksitani, and one Afghani.