Asia Cup 2018: 4 Key players for India in the clash against Bangladesh

Although Indian team is not at full strength in the ongoing Asia Cup, they will start as favourites in the Super 4 clash against Bangladesh. Though the Bangladesh side is no pushover, they do not posses a great threat either.

Bangladesh's growth as a one day side has been almost stagnant over the last few years. Moreover, Tamim Iqbal's absence is a big blow for them. Their batting looks a bit weak in the current state.

The Indian side is also depleted in absence of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. India would need to be on their toes against Bangladesh, otherwise, the Bangladeshi Tigers might spring in a surprise or two.

In the absence of some star players, the responsibility of other senior players has increased multifold. Let's take a look at 4 players who will play an important role for India in the match against Bangladesh:

---

#1 Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah will look to come good against Bangladesh

Bumrah will be an important player in the clash against Bangladesh. He is a threat both with the new and old ball. In absence of experienced Tamim Iqbal, Bumrah can make life difficult for the Bangladeshi top order.

Bumrah can be a difficult proposition for the batsmen who have not played him earlier and new looking Bangladesh top order doesn't have much experience of playing against him. It goes without saying that he will be a threat in death overs which is his forte.

#2 Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav will play an important role as a bowler

Jadhav has been a revelation in this tournament, and in absence of Pandya, he will be required to once again perform with the ball.

His below sea level deliveries, as jokingly described by Sunil Gavaskar, will be a threat on the low and slow pitches of UAE. Bangladesh doesn't have much experience of playing Jadhav which will work to India's advantage.

With Pandya out of the tournament and Dhoni looking off colour with the bat, Jadhav's role as a finisher while batting will also be critical for team India's chances.

#3 Ambati Rayudu

The Indian middle order should play around Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu is an ideal player on the low and slow pitches on offer in UAE. He has the ability to grind through early on in the innings which is required in plenty on these sort of pitches.

In case a wicket falls early then Rayudu's role becomes even more important, he can act as a wall against experienced Bangladesh bowling line-up and the fragile Indian middle order.

#4 Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan would like to continue his good run in the tournament

Shikhar Dhawan is an important cog in the wheel for India, more so in Kohli's absence. He has been in good form in the tournament. His ability to score at a decent clip without taking much risk will come in handy in these conditions.

Dhawan is the only left-hander in the Indian top order, his long stay at the crease will increase the difficulty for opposition bowlers as they will have to adjust their line and length continuously.