Asia Cup 2018: SWOT Analysis of the Indian Team

#2 Weakness

Middle Order depends on Ambati Rayudu (L) and Manish Pandey (R)

Middle-order is a major concern for Team India as we have seen in the recent times. The middle order has failed to lift India out of troubles whenever a set batsman departs. The absence of Kohli will leave a void in the middle order.

Without a flick of doubt, players like Manish Pandey, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav are there to hold the fort but we can't rule out the fact that with their comebacks, there will also be an added pressure on them to perform well.

MS Dhoni, one of the finest finishers ever to grace the game, was booed in England for his slow play. Now, as we have seen in the past, Dhoni thrives under pressure but with Dhoni's failed showings with the blade in the recent times, there is a major challenge in front of him to deliver with his bat - either as a finisher down the order or as a middle-order enforcer who can provide the team with crucial partnerships whenever required.

MS Dhoni's batting abilities need no introduction. The master of re-inventing has a lot of responsibiities to take care of in this tournament

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was injured during the England tour and as a result, was ruled out of the Test series. He has been nursing the same and while he is medically fit to compete now, his form will be a major factor for India as he is the specialist bowler who has to bowl 10 overs a match. The schedule is pretty tight too as India has to play 2 consecutive matches on Sept 18th and 19th. So, his fitness and form will be something to look out for.

The debutant Khaleel Ahmed has a lot to prove and there will be pressure on him to deliver well. The 20-year old pacer from Rajasthan isn't very experienced on the domestic circuit as well since he made his first-class debut last year and List A debut in February this year. He has earned the ODI cap by impressing the selectors with his abilities but a lot of eyes will be on him and he has a major responsibility on his shoulders.