Top 3 retired cricketers who could have dominated Asia Cup 2025

Top 3 retired cricketers who could have dominated Asia Cup 2025 (AFP PHOTO/Munir uz ZAMAN / AFP / MUNIR UZ ZAMAN (Photo credit should read MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

The Asia Cup 2025 is nearing its final week, and cricket fans have been treated to some intense and competitive cricket in the latest edition of the continental competition, being held in the United Arab Emirates. This year’s tournament has been particularly challenging for batters due to the slow pitches, while bowlers have also faced periods of struggle in containing the aggressive batting line-ups.

With a number of young talents making their mark and dominating the tournament, it is natural to wonder how some of the game’s retired legends would have performed if they were part of this edition. Here, CricTracker has a look at the top three retired cricketers who could have easily taken the Asia Cup 2025 by storm.

:Let's look at the top 3 retired cricketers who could have dominated Asia Cup 2025 Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) Shakib Al Hasan (Source: Twitter)

Bangladesh’s legendary all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan rounds out the list of legends who could have dominated this season. Shakib’s contributions with both bat and ball have always made him a game-changer. The left-arm spinner has an uncanny ability to pick crucial wickets, combined with his ability to score vital runs.

The Dhaka-born presence can tilt the balance of any game at any point. If he were part of the Asia Cup 2025, his experience and all-around skills would have been invaluable in guiding the younger Bangladeshi players and putting Bangladesh in strong contention against more established sides. Notably, he had announced his retirement from white-ball cricket recently.

Rohit Sharma (India) Rohit Sharma (Photo source: Getty Images)

Another Indian stalwart, Rohit Sharma, retired from T20 cricket after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. He is known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, and has always been a key performer in Asia Cups. He has scored 271 runs in nine innings at a strike rate exceeding 140, consistently setting the tone for India’s innings.

While young opener Abhishek Sharma impressed this year with his aggressive scoring at a strike rate close to 200, Rohit’s experience and ability to read conditions and bowlers would have given India a crucial advantage. His knack for delivering under pressure and punishing loose deliveries would have made him one of the most feared batters in the tournament.

Virat Kohli (India) Virat Kohli. (Photo source: Getty Images)

The former Indian captain and T20 superstar, Virat Kohli is one player who could have made a massive impact in this season’s Asia Cup. Having retired from T20 cricket, Kohli was unavailable for selection, but his record in the Asia Cup speaks volumes. In T20 Asia Cup tournaments, he has scored 429 runs in nine innings at an outstanding average of 85.80, making him the leading run-scorer in the tournament’s history.

Kohli’s aggressive yet calculated batting style, coupled with his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed, would have been a nightmare for the opposition bowlers in UAE conditions. His presence in the Indian batting line-up would have added stability and match-winning firepower, giving him an edge over the younger players competing this season.