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

Bowlers:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

A lot of doubts were raised over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's form after the first match after he bowled 9 wicketless overs for 50 runs against Hong Kong. The fact that India's opening bowler did not finish his quota of overs was a big statement in itself.

To silence all unnecessary apprehensions raise over his performance, Kumar stepped up his game in an emphatic fashion agasint Pakistan. He was not only among the wicket but also conceded runs meagerly. In the seven overs that bowled, he picked up three wickets and gave away just 15 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah:

Jasprit Bumrah is an invaluable asset to the Indian team and has he proved that once again in the match against Pakistan. After being rested for the match against Hong Kong, Bumrah created pressure on the Pakistani batsmen right from the ball one by bowling two maiden overs at the top. As a result of his consistent line and length by both the opening bowlers, India picked up two wickets in the first five overs.

In addition to the good fast bowling at the top, Bumrah is a great bowler in the death overs. In the match against Pakistan, his effective bowlimg helped India wrap up the tail quickly. Bumrah, who recently returned from injury, will look to continue in the same fashion for the rest of the tournament.

Khaleel Ahmed:

Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed, the youngest player in the Indian squad, made his debut against Hong Kong and has impressed one and all. When things weren't going India's way, the fast bowler did not give up. He sent back Hong Kong's highest run-getter Nizakat Khan, who fell short off a century by 8 runs, to the pavilion.

Khaleel, who idiolises Zaheer Khan, ended with the same debut figures as Zaheer - 3 for 48. With a good start to his career, India will hope that the young man can emulate his idol in the times to come.

Kuldeep Yadav/ Yuzvendra Chahal:

Chahal celebrating Kuldeep's success

The wrist spinners - Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal - have been a revelation for the Indian limited overs side. The two together have been outstanding in the middle overs and have been picking up wickets consistently during that phase. With Ravindra Jadeja making a possible comeback as bowling all-rounder, India might have to face the difficult decision of choosing between the two.

As the tournaments progresses, the slow surface in Dubai might provide more support to the spinners and in that scenario India might choose to play both the leg-spinners by dropping Khaleel Ahmed. Even after three injury replacements, India are a strong side and will look to defend the title in the days to come.