The Asia Cup, a premier cricketing event among Asian nations, has seen India dominate its history as the most successful team. With seven titles to their name, including the inaugural edition in 1984 and the last ODI edition in 2018, the Men in Blue have consistently demonstrated their prowess. As the 16th edition of the tournament commenced on August 30, 2023, India entered as favorites once again, aiming to extend their winning streak in this 50-over format.

1984 Asia Cup: A Dominant Start

The inaugural edition, also known as the Rothmans Asia Cup, was held in Sharjah, UAE. It featured a triangular series between India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Captained by Sunil Gavaskar, India emerged victorious by winning both their matches. In their first game, they dismissed Sri Lanka for a paltry 96 and chased it down comfortably in 22 overs. Against arch-rivals Pakistan, Surinder Khanna’s second consecutive half-century powered India to 188/4 in a rain-shortened 46-over match, which proved enough for victory.
Player of the Tournament: Surinder Khanna (India)

1988 Asia Cup: A Triumphant Return

After skipping the 1986 edition due to political reasons, India returned to win the 1988 Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Led by Dilip Vengsarkar, the team showcased a mix of youth and experience. Notable performances came from Navjot Singh Sidhu, who struck consistent half-centuries, and Arshad Ayub, whose five-wicket haul against Pakistan secured India’s spot in the final. India defeated Sri Lanka in the final, claiming their second Asia Cup title.
Player of the Tournament: Navjot Singh Sidhu (India)

1990 Asia Cup: Another Home Victory

Hosted in India, the 1990 edition was reduced to three teams as Pakistan withdrew. With future cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar making their Asia Cup debut, India displayed remarkable form. Kapil Dev’s hat-trick in the final against Sri Lanka was pivotal in securing India’s third title.
Player of the Tournament: Not awarded

1995 Asia Cup: Mastering Sharjah

The 1995 edition in Sharjah saw India reclaim their dominance. A Tendulkar century against Sri Lanka secured their spot in the final, where India defeated the same opponents. Contributions from Navjot Singh Sidhu and Mohammad Azharuddin, along with stellar bowling from Anil Kumble, highlighted the tournament.
Player of the Tournament: Navjot Singh Sidhu (India)

1997 Asia Cup: Falling Short in Colombo

India’s journey in the 1997 edition, held in Sri Lanka, was marred by rain. Despite a fiery spell from Venkatesh Prasad, weather disruptions led to an incomplete game against Pakistan. In the final against Sri Lanka, India fell short as the hosts clinched their second title.
Player of the Tournament: Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka)

2000 Asia Cup: A Tough Outing

The 2000 edition, held in Bangladesh, proved challenging for India. After a strong start with a Sourav Ganguly century against Bangladesh, India faltered against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Despite Tendulkar’s efforts, India failed to make the final, where Pakistan triumphed.
Player of the Tournament: Yousuf Youhana (Pakistan)

2004 Asia Cup: A New Era

India reached the final in the expanded 2004 edition, featuring six teams. Despite Tendulkar’s all-round performance in the final against Sri Lanka, India fell short as the hosts secured their third title.
Player of the Tournament: Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

2008 Asia Cup: Battling New Challenges

The 2008 tournament in Pakistan saw MS Dhoni lead India to the final after strong performances from Suresh Raina and Virender Sehwag. However, Ajantha Mendis’ magical spell of 6/13 in the final handed Sri Lanka another title.
Player of the Tournament: Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka)

2010 Asia Cup: Back on Top

India reclaimed the Asia Cup title in Sri Lanka after 15 years. Harbhajan Singh’s six off Mohammad Amir in a thrilling match against Pakistan and India’s commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the final highlighted their campaign.
Player of the Tournament: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

2012 Asia Cup: Kohli’s Brilliance

The 2012 edition in Bangladesh featured Virat Kohli’s highest ODI score (183) in a thrilling chase against Pakistan. Despite this performance, India missed the final due to a defeat against Bangladesh in the league stage.
Player of the Tournament: Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

2014 Asia Cup: Afridi’s Onslaught

Virat Kohli captained India in MS Dhoni’s absence. However, Shahid Afridi’s last-over heroics for Pakistan and a loss to Sri Lanka meant India missed the final.
Player of the Tournament: Lahiru Thirimanne (Sri Lanka)

2016 Asia Cup: T20 Brilliance

In the first-ever T20 Asia Cup, India, led by Dhoni, dominated the tournament with wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Kohli’s calm batting and Hardik Pandya’s all-round contributions helped India defeat Bangladesh in the final.
Player of the Tournament: Sabbir Rahman (Bangladesh)

2018 Asia Cup: A Nail-Biting Finish

Back in the ODI format, India remained unbeaten in the UAE. Despite a tied game against Afghanistan, India defeated Bangladesh in a tense final to clinch their seventh title. Shikhar Dhawan’s consistency was key to India’s success.
Player of the Tournament: Shikhar Dhawan (India)

2022 Asia Cup: A Rare Setback

The 2022 T20 Asia Cup was disappointing for India. Despite Kohli’s resurgence and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s wicket-taking spree, defeats against Pakistan and Sri Lanka saw India crash out before the final.
Player of the Tournament: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Looking Ahead: The 2023 Asia Cup

The 2023 Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, sees India fielding a balanced squad with youth and experience. With recent strong performances and a settled ODI side, India aims to add an eighth title to their illustrious record in this crucial World Cup year.

India’s Asia Cup journey is a testament to their cricketing legacy, marked by consistent excellence and unforgettable moments. As the battle of Asian giants unfolds, all eyes remain on the Men in Blue.