Asia Cup 2018: India's ideal Playing XI against Pakistan

3- KL Rahul

K.L. Rahul - The New No 3 for Team India in the absence of Kohli

K.L. Rahul is fresh from a Test century in the last Test match of the England series. He came good on the last day of the England tour. His recent form has been encouraging.

The Kannada batsman has all the qualities needed to be a successful one day player. To start with, he is a technically sound player who can play good cricketing shots. At the same time, he is an aggressive and busy player who can up the ante when needed.

In the absence of Virat Kohli, Rahul is presented with a very good opportunity to bat at No 3 and he should make use of this lucky break to impress the selectors. Rahul is equally good against pace and spin and if he is careful with his shot selections, he can be the man for Team India in this Asia Cup.

4- M.S. Dhoni (wicket-keeper)

Dhoni should bat at No 4 and anchor the innings

Dhoni at No 4 could bring in the kind of stability the Indian team is looking for at his own pace at the crease which will not be detrimental to the team’s cause. Once set, Dhoni is more than capable of taking any attack apart and make up for the lost time. Dhoni’s promotion to No 4 may sound illogical to experiment but should be tried as no other better option is in sight both for Dhoni and for the team.Some people might not like what they see. But now the time has come for Team India to make use of the experience of M.S. Dhoni. Dhoni has been struggling to score quickly at No 6. His finishing skills are showing signs of decline but he can still contribute to the team’s cause by anchoring the innings at No 4. Like Dhoni, the team too has a problem in identifying a solid batsman for the No 4 position. The Team Management should look at one problem as a solution to another by promoting Dhoni to No 4 position.

5- Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav - The only sixth bowling option for India

Kedar Jadhav is back into the Indian team after a long lay -off due to injury. His form and fitness will be tested in the Asia Cup. Jadhav has an edge over his rivals in middle-order for the simple reason that he can chip in with a few overs of bowling. He can be India’s surprise bowling package capable of effecting crucial breakthroughs. With the likely presence of Hardik Pandya in the playing XI, Kedar Jadhav’s contribution with the ball will be more important to make up the overs of Hardik Pandya.

Jadhav is the only specialist batsman in the squad who can role his arm around. On that count alone, his place in the playing XI is assured for the time being. But he has to justify his presence in the team as a batsman.