Best Players in Asia Cup History

Sanath Jayasuriya, born June 30, 1969, in Matara, changed how opening batters approached ODIs by attacking from the start. He played in six Asia Cup editions between 1990 and 2008, scoring 1220 runs, which makes him the highest among Asia Cup top scorers. His record includes 6 centuries, six fifties, and 22 wickets with the ball. His 204 against Bangladesh in 1997 remains one of the most iconic innings in the competition, while in 2008 he again finished as the leading run-getter. He won the title in 1997, 2004, and 2008, and twice took home the Player of the Tournament award. Jayasuriya retired in 2011, but his Asia Cup numbers still stand unmatched.

Muttiah Muralitharan, born April 17, 1972, in Kandy, became cricket’s greatest spin bowler with 800 Test wickets and over 530 in ODIs. In the Asia Cup, he appeared in five editions between 1995 and 2008, winning three titles with Sri Lanka. His total of 30 wickets remains the highest in the competition’s history. In 2004, he claimed nine wickets in the campaign, and in 2008, his spell in the final against India shut down the opposition. For over a decade, he provided control and breakthroughs in the middle overs, ensuring Sri Lanka’s dominance.

Sachin Tendulkar, born April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, carried India’s batting for over two decades. He played in six Asia Cup editions, from 1990 to 2012, winning two titles. His tally of 971 runs ranks him third among all players in the competition. The most memorable moment came in 2012, when he scored his 100th international century against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup. Across the 1990s and 2000s, he anchored India’s batting with vital knocks in almost every edition. For many fans, he was the asian cup best player of his time, as his presence alone gave India confidence. He retired in 2013, but his name remains tied to the history of the tournament.

Kumar Sangakkara, born October 27, 1977, played in five Asia Cup editions between 2004 and 2014. He scored 1075 runs, including 4 centuries and eight half-centuries, placing him second in the all-time list. He won three titles with Sri Lanka: 2004, 2008, and 2014. In 2008, he amassed over 300 runs, while in 2014, his century against India helped Sri Lanka reach the final, which they later won. Sangakkara was not only a prolific run-scorer but also a leader on and off the field. For many, he is the answer to the question of who is the best player in the Asia Cup, given his consistency and impact across a whole decade. 

Lasith Malinga, born August 28, 1983, in Galle, brought a unique slinging action that troubled batters worldwide. In the Asia Cup, he appeared in 2004, 2010, 2014, and 2018, winning two titles. He holds the record for the most wickets in the tournament, 33 in total. In the 2014 final against Pakistan, he dismantled the opposition with five wickets, ensuring Sri Lanka’s victory. Even in 2018, near the close of his career, he grabbed a hat-trick against Bangladesh. Malinga retired in 2020, but his yorkers and ability to strike at crucial times remain part of the tournament’s story.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, born July 7, 1981, led India with composure across five Asia Cup editions. He captained India to the 2010 ODI title and the 2016 T20 title, becoming the first Indian leader to achieve success in both formats. Across tournaments, he scored more than 600 runs, often guiding India in pressure situations. In 2008, he contributed with several half-centuries, and in 2010, his leadership in the final against Sri Lanka gave India their first Asia Cup win in over a decade. Dhoni retired in 2020, but he remains celebrated as one of the greatest finishers and a captain who always delivered.

Suryakumar Yadav, born September 14, 1990, rose to prominence as India’s most versatile T20 batsman. He featured in the 2022 and 2023 Asia Cups and enters the 2025 edition as captain. In 2022, he strengthened the middle order, and in 2023, he played essential innings that helped India lift the trophy. During 2022–2024, he held the top spot in ICC T20I rankings and earned the nickname “Mr. 360” for his ability to play across the field. In 2025, his leadership becomes as crucial as his batting, with India looking to him for another title.

Arshdeep Singh, born February 5, 1999, quickly built a reputation as India’s reliable death bowler. He made his Asia Cup debut in 2022 and returned in 2023, where his wickets were crucial to India’s title win. His yorkers and control under pressure gave India an edge at the end of the innings. By 2025, he is already seen as one of the key bowlers in the squad. His short but impactful career suggests that his influence in the tournament could grow for years to come.

Wanindu Hasaranga, born July 29, 1997, became Sri Lanka’s leading all-rounder in recent years. He featured in the 2022 and 2023 Asia Cups and remains in the 2025 squad. His most incredible moment came in the 2022 final against Pakistan, where he scored 36 runs and took three wickets, winning the Player of the Tournament award. In 2023, he again played a central role, though Sri Lanka fell short in the final against India. By 2025, he is still regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable assets in limited-overs cricket.

Mohammad Nawaz, born March 21, 1994, gave Pakistan one of their most memorable Asia Cup victories in a group-stage clash. In the 2022 Super Four against India, he scored 42 runs off 20 balls and dismissed Rohit Sharma, turning the match in Pakistan’s favor. He also played in the 2023 edition, though Pakistan did not reach the final. In 2025, he is once again part of the squad as an all-rounder who can contribute in both departments. While he has yet to win a title, his ability to deliver in big games keeps him an essential figure in Pakistan’s lineup.