Asia Cup: India's strongest XI without Hardik Pandya for the Super Four matches

Wicket-keeper and all-rounders:

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

In the absence of the regular skipper Virat Kohli, the role of MS Dhoni becomes much more important as he helps the youngsters in the team during their bowling. Dhoni who is generally clinical behind the stumps had a few blips in the first two matches but is definitely the best wicket-keeper in India.

After getting out for a duck against Hong Kong, Dhoni did not get a chance to bat against Pakistan but will to make things right in the Super Four. Dhoni being close to the game will be very important for India not only with respect to Asia Cup but also in the preparation for the World Cup next year.

Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav has definitely been the Indian player to watch out for in the Asia Cup so far. As expected he contributed decently with the bat in the first match against Hong Kong with an unbeaten 28*. With the ball too, he has picked up three with an economy rate of 3.19 in two matches.

Even though he got no wickets in the first match, he was economical and covered the over of Shardul Thakur. In addition to his performances with the ball and the bat, he also ran out Shoaib Malik, who was batting excellently till then. Seeing his performances so far, one can definitely say that Kedar Jadhav is the complete package that teams want.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, who played his last ODI in July last year against West Indies was named as the replacement for an injured Axar Patel. With Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel being ruled out of the Asia Cup, it is almost certain that Jadeja will feature in India's playing XI as an all-rounder.

Before the wrist-spinners - Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal - made their way into the side, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin played a key role in the success of the Indian team in limited overs. In spite of being economical during the middle overs their inability to pick wickets during that phase cost them the place in the Indian side.

With India playing all the matches in Dubai, where the tracks are on the slowish side, the accurate bowling of Jadeja along with his batting in the lower order might work in the favour of the Indian team. Jadeja will also look to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.