Asia Cup 2018: India's possible playing XI for the first game against Hong Kong

Wicketkeeper and All-rounder

MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya

MS Dhoni will most probably be playing his last Asia Cup.

Despite being on the fag end of his cricketing career, MS Dhoni continues to be the first choice wicket-keeper batsman for the Indian team in the ODI format. Having lifted Asia Cup last time around as a skipper, MS Dhoni will look forward to help India defend its Asia Cup trophy with good performances from the bat.

Also, this might be MS Dhoni's last Asia Cup as a player because it is highly unlikely that Dhoni will play next edition of Asia Cup in 2020 as he would be 39 years of age by then.

Being the only pace bowling all-rounder in the squad, Hardik Pandya is guaranteed to be picked for every game in this year's Asia Cup. But, as seen in recently concluded India-England series, Hardik Pandya's batting, as well as bowling, leaves a lot to be desired. However, due to lack of quality all-rounders in the domestic circuit, Hardik Pandya's place in the Indian team is certain for time being in the shorter formats of the game.