Top 5 players to watch out for in Asia Cup

We're only a couple of weeks away from the Asia Cup 2018 where the biggest cricketing teams from subcontinent will lock horns against each other to show which is the best team.

Although all of the teams would like to win the tournament, this also comes as a chance for them to decide who are the best players going forward with the World Cup 2019 in mind.

With all the major teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India announcing their squad for the tournament which starts from 15th of September, here we look at the top 5 players who we should keep an eye on in this tournament as they could very well be the game changers for their respective countries.

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#5 Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan is probably the best spinner in limited overs format right now. At only 19 years of age, he's not only become a vital player for Afghanistan but has also has become a very popular bowler in the T20 Cricket leagues around the world.

He was in tremendous form against Ireland in the recently concluded T20 and ODI series.

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#4 Manish Pandey

South Africa v India - T20 International

Manish Pandey has been a major part of the no.4 conundrum for India in limited overs format. He was excluded from the squad for the ODI series against England but has forced his way back into the side again after a strong showing in List A Cricket.

He was the highest run getter and also remained unbeaten throughout the recently concluded quadrangular series which featured Australia A, South Africa A, India A and India B.

Pandey has been given another chance in the game of musical chairs for the number 4 spot in the Indian batting lineup. With Virat Kohli rested, he has a chance to cement his place in the side.

#3 Shakib Al Hasan

2nd Momentum ODI: South Africa v Bangladesh

There was uncertainty around Shakib Al Hasan's availability for Asia Cup. But all the speculations around the star all-rounder were cleared up when he was selected in the 15 member squad.

He has been a vital asset for Bangladesh Cricket in their rise in recent years.

He was expected to undergo a surgery on his injured finger during the same time as the Asia cup but it now looks like the surgery has been postponed.

Expect him to play an important role if Bangladesh does well in the tournament.

#2 Lasith Malinga

Sri Lanka v Pakistan - ICC Champions Trophy

The veteran fast bowler has been brought back into the Sri Lankan side after a dismal show in the recent ODIs by the team. The 35-year-old was named in the 16-member squad announced on September 1.

Malinga last made an appearance against India in September 2017 and has been out of action for a year due to a knee injury.

Sri Lanka have been struggling a lot in the 50 over format, winning just two out of the last 12 ODI series. Lanka would hope for Malinga to lead their bowling attack and show some fight in the tournament.

#1 K Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed

With India preparing for the 2019 World Cup, the only thing missing from their fast bowling group is a left arm pacer. Khaleel Ahmed is just that. He's a Rajasthan-born fast bowler known for his speed and the angle that he creates which troubles the batsman.

He's been in good form in the domestic circuit and has shown signs of a promising career. With World Cup less than a year away, it's the perfect opportunity for him to perform and make a case for himself for the Indian limited overs squad.