![Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755154231140_kohli_dhoni_ajmal_malik.jpg?type=mq)
Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar [Source: AFP Media]
The cricket environment is all charged with the anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. Given the recent political tensions between the two nations, there have also been speculations about whether the match will take place at all.
Amidst all these, the two nations celebrate their respective Independence Days on the 14th and 15th of August. Let us take a look at the combined all-time XI of India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Openers
Sachin Tendulkar
![Sachin Tendulkar [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755154691106_sachin_tendulkar.jpg?type=mq)
Sachin Tendulkar [Source: AFP Media]
Matches: 23 Runs: 971 Average: 51.10
The Indian legend enjoyed playing in the Asia Cup. Sachin Tendulkar played 23 matches in the tournament and scored 971 runs in them at an average of 51.10. This shows that he was consistent whenever he played in the Asia Cup, and this makes him one of the openers in this team.
Rohit Sharma
Matches: 28 Runs: 939 Average: 46.95
The other opener of the team will be India's current ODI captain, Rohit Sharma. The man is known for his excellence in the ODI format and has done well whenever he has played in the Asia Cup. In 28 matches, Sharam has scored 939 runs at an average of 46.95.
Middle Order
Virat Kohli
Matches: 16 Runs: 742 Average: 61.83
The Indian maestro has been a trump card for India in the Asia Cup. Virat Kohli has scored 742 runs in just 16 Asia Cup matches in the ODI format. His average of 61.83 is nothing short of brilliant in the format.
Inzamam-ul-Haq
![Inzamam-ul-Haq [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755154787789_inzamam_ul_haq.jpg?type=mq)
Inzamam-ul-Haq [Source: AFP Media]
Matches: 15 Runs: 591 Average: 59.10
One of the greatest batters Pakistan has ever produced, Inzamam-ul-Haq, is the number four in this team. Not much to the surprise, Inzy averaged around 60 in the Asia Cup. He has scored 591 runs in the tournament in just 15 games.
Younis Khan
Matches: 14 Runs: 546 Average: 49.63
When you talk about the Pakistan team, there is little chance that you can ignore Younis Khan. He has been one of the greatest servants of Pakistan cricket with the bat in hand. He maintained his brilliance in the Asia Cup, too, scoring 546 runs in 14 matches at an average of 49.63.
MS Dhoni (c/wk)
Matches: 19 Runs: 648 Average: 64.80
The Indian wicket-keeper will be taking care of the finishing duties in this team. MS Dhoni has 648 runs in the Asia Cup in 19 matches at an average of 64.80. He led India in three Asia Cup tournaments, and India won in two of them. So, MSD will also be the skipper of the team.
All-rounders
Shoaib Malik
Matches: 17 Runs: 786 Average: 65.50 Wickets: 12 Economy Rate: 4.25
The Pakistan all-rounder's presence in the team will give them perfect balance on both the bowling and batting fronts. Shoaib Malik has scored 786 runs in 17 matches at an average of 65.50 in the Asia Cup. He has also been more than a handy bowler in the format, with 12 wickets in these 17 games while having an economy of just over four.
Ravindra Jadeja
![Ravindra Jadeja [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755154910670_ravindra_jadeja.jpg?type=mq)
Ravindra Jadeja [Source: AFP Media]
Matches: 20 Runs: 182 Average: 26.00 Wickets: 25 Economy Rate: 4.34
The Indian all-rounder has been a better contributor with the ball in the Asia Cups. Ravindra Jadeja has played 20 matches in the tournament and has picked up 25 wickets in them at an average of 26.28 and an economy of 4.34.
On the other hand, Jadeja has scored 182 runs in 20 matches. More than being a batter, his importance and efficiency for the team will be as a bowler.
Irfan Pathan
Matches: 12 Runs: 104 Average: 34.66 Wickets: 22 Economy Rate: 5.54
The Indian all-rounder would be a vital presence in this team. Irfan Pathan can be the bowler who takes up the new ball and also bowls a few in the depth. Also, his presence gives depth and dynamism to the batting.
Bowlers
Saeed Ajmal
Matches: 12 Wickets: 22 Economy Rate: 4.21
The spin wizard from Pakistan had been brilliant in the Asia Cup. Saeed Ajmal will add to the depth of the bowling, and his presence will make the middle-overs bowling of this team very strong.
Wasim Akram
![Wasim Akram [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1755154994139_wasim_akram.jpg?type=mq)
Wasim Akram [Source: AFP Media]
Matches: 12 Wickets: 18 Economy Rate: 3.22
The swing king from Pakistan will be the second pacer in this team. Wasim Akram mastered the art of swinging both the new and old ball. Besides, his ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs also makes him a crucial presence in this side.
Conclusion
Asia Cup has been predominantly played in the ODI format, with only two editions being played in the T20I format. In this, we have considered the ODI format as the sample size for the T20Is is not huge.
Also, there are only two pace bowling options in this team, with three spinners. This is because the tournament is played in Asian conditions, and the spinners have mostly dominated the tournament.
India-Pakistan Combined XI For Asia Cup
Sachin Tendulkar ๐ฎ๐ณ
Rohit Sharma ๐ฎ๐ณ
Virat Kohli ๐ฎ๐ณ
Inzamam-ul-Haq ๐ต๐ฐ
Younis Khan ๐ต๐ฐ
Shoaib Malik ๐ต๐ฐ
MS Dhoni (C/WK) ๐ฎ๐ณ
Ravindra Jadeja ๐ฎ๐ณ
Irfan Pathan ๐ฎ๐ณ
Saeed Ajmal ๐ต๐ฐ
Wasim Akram ๐ต๐ฐ
