Asia Cup 2018: Probable Indian Playing XI for the Group Stage

No. 3 and No. 4: Ambati Rayudu and Manish Pandey/Dinesh Karthik

Rayudu will be looking to cement his place in the ODI side if given an opportunity

The absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli for the Asia Cup has further opened up the batting slots up for grabs. The No. 4 slot was considered to be a problem for India in recent times and this Asia Cup will witness India trying something different at the No. 3 slot as well. Out of the available batsmen for the Asia Cup, Rahul, Karthik, Rayudu and Pandey will fight it out for 2 spots (No. 3 and 4).

Setting form as the selection criteria, it would be good for India if Rayudu and Pandey get to play at No. 3 and 4 respectively. Although both of them have not established themselves in the Indian team with consistent performances, they surely have the talent and the form that they are in will help them to calm their nerves. This Asia Cup could well be the last chance for players like Rayudu and Pandey to prove their worth to the selectors.

Pandey needs to make his good form count in Asia Cup

Manish Pandey has 306 runs to his name in just four innings in the recently concluded Quadrangular Series, which adds value to his selection for the Asia Cup. Rayudu has been fantastic as well, with 187 runs to his credit in the same 4 innings at an average of 62.3. Rahul's selection in the ODI format has not been outstanding for India, and he would have to wait a little longer to get back to the team, due to the fact that Rayudu and Pandey have been in excellent touch of late.

Dinesh Karthik was impressive in the Nidahas Trophy Final against Bangladesh but his recent form in the test series against England and his career average of a touch below 30 in ODIs does not help his cause. With age too being on the higher side (Rayudu and Karthik belong to the same age group, but Rayudu is in form), it would be better for India to give Pandey a chance ahead of Karthik, at least for the time being.