3 reasons why India are not the favourites to win the Asia cup

#2 Unfamiliar territory

Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host the India vs Pakistan encounter

The Men in Blue haven't played much cricket in UAE in recent times. The last time India played an ODI in UAE was in April 2006 when no one from the current team except Dhoni was around. The last instance of Indian cricketers playing any other recognized tournament in that country was in 2014 when they played the first leg of the IPL there.

The conditions and the heat factor are going to play a major part. Also, controversial scheduling is not doing a world of good to India's chances either. India are chalked in to play their first game against the winners of the qualifiers on September 18 and they face their arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage game the very next day on September 19.

However, the only consolation seems to be that these Indian cricketers are one of the fittest athletes who have the stamina to endure the grueling conditions.