3 approaches India should take in the Super Four match against Pakistan

India came to play the Asia Cup without star batsman and regular skipper Virat Kohli. Several critics predicted that India's performance would be substandard in the Asia Cup. Additionally, India had an awful Test series against England before the Asia Cup. But India has proved the critics wrong and their performance has been phenomenal in the Asia Cup. India won the two group stage matches against Hong Kong and Pakistan.

Hong Kong surprised the defending champion, and they gave a good contest. But, India defeated Pakistan comfortably and it was a one-sided match. Likewise, India faced Bangladesh in the first Super Four match and the Men in Blue won the match convincingly.

India will face the arch-rival Pakistan again in the next game. India had an easy victory when the two neighbours locked horns in the group stage and they will be aiming repeat same feat in the next game. On the other hand, Pakistan will be determined to win the game after an embarrassing loss against India.

India did everything right in the group stage match against Pakistan but there is always room for improvement. Here we discuss three approaches India can take against Pakistan in the Super Four match.

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#3 Ravindra Jadeja needs to bat up the order

Ravindra Jadeja

India's experienced all-rounder made his ODI come back in the last match. In fact, Jadeja got his opportunity for Hardik Pandya who got injured in the group stage match against Pakistan. His performance was remarkable in the last match against Bangladesh and he took four wickets.

Jadeja is a handy batsman and he can play crucial knocks. He has three first-class triple centuries in his career and his batting skill cannot be underestimated. He played the fifth Test against England and he scored 86 not out. His recent batting form has been exceptional. Hence, if he bats up the order then he can play a big knock.

#2 MS Dhoni at the number four slot

MSD

India's middle-order is not looking steady without Virat Kohli. MS Dhoni is the most experienced batsman in the squad and he needs to bat at the number four position. As a matter of fact, Dhoni came to bat at the number four slot against Bangladesh and he scored 33 runs with a good strike rate.

Dhoni has an amazing track record at the number four position. His batting average is over 50 at the number four slot and he played the memorable World Cup final knock at the number four position. He can guide the Indian innings in the middle overs and he is also adept of finishing the match. Hence, if Dhoni plays more balls then it will be difficult for the Pakistani bowlers.

#1 KL Rahul/Manish Pandey for Ambati Rayadu

KL Rahul can make a difference

India has talented batsmen like KL Rahul and Manish Pandey in the squad but they have not played a match yet in the Asia Cup. In the absence of Kohli, Rayadu has done a decent job at the number three position. He scored a half-century against Hong Kong and remained not out against Pakistan. However, he failed against Bangladesh and his strike-rate has been substandard in the Asia Cup.

Moreover, he is sloppy in the field and he failed the yo-yo fitness test before the England Tour. But, KL Rahul and Manish Pandey are stupendous fielders.

Though KL Rahul had an ordinary Test series in England, he scored an impressive century in the last Test match. Thus, his confidence level should be sky-high in the Asia Cup. Likewise, Manish's batting form was noteworthy in the recent Quadrangular series. They are also capable of scoring runs quickly.