How India could line up against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2018 final

The Asia Cup is finally coming to an end with only the final to go. India and Bangladesh will be facing each other for the second time in this tournament and this time, it's for the trophy.

Both have strong lineups and to be honest, Pakistan were favored to pip Bangladesh in the virtual semi-final on 26th of September. Bangladesh did cause an upset.

India start as strong favorites and as I said, Bangladesh will be the underdogs but one can never count them out.

The final will be held on 28th of September in Dubai. The temperatures will soar and it will be an emotional contest. Bangladesh has already lost twice to India in 2 finals, one in Nidahas Trophy and the other in Asia Cup 2016. They will be looking for redemption.

Let's have a look at how India could possibly line up against their opposition:

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Top order

Shikhar Dhawan

The Southpaw has been in prolific form since the start of the Asia Cup and has been timing the ball really well. He was rested in the game against Afghanistan. He is sure to make his return and will look to replicate all his success so far in the match that really matters.

Rohit Sharma (C)

Rohit Sharma has been in good touch

The skipper was rested too and will return to take up the captaincy. He has been scoring runs at a quick rate. He has been giving India the starts that allow the middle order to capitalize a and build an innings. He will look to build on his start this time around and continue from where he left off, the hundred against Pakistan. He has been in sublime touch and will look to replicate his heroics against Bangladesh.

Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu will look to continue his good run of form

Rayudu has looked good ever since he has made his return to the Indian team. He has got good scores under his belt but the conversation rate is poor. India will surely want him to get the hundred that he's been looking for in the all-important clash on Friday.

Middle-Order

KL Rahul

Rahul played a beautiful innings against Afghanistan

KL Rahul made merry against the Afghanistan bowlers in the only opportunity he got in the Asia Cup. Rahul has been in a good run of form ever since the final Test match of England-India Test series. With Dinesh Karthik not in the best of form, the path looks clear for KL Rahul.

MS Dhoni

Dhoni will look to get some runs under his belt

The best wicket-keeper in the world has had a disappointing tour with the bat. He was given out to a ball that was clearly sliding down the leg in the game against Afghanistan. That proved to be a turning point. He will look to get some runs if he does get to bat against Bangladesh.

Kedar Jadhav

Like many, he hasn't got much time to bat. He wasted his start against Afghanistan and was run-out on 19. He has shown us what he can do with the ball yet again and this time, he will be eager to show his prowess with the bat.

Ravindra Jadeja

The 'comeback' man has been phenomenal with the ball.

It's almost as if the 29-year-old all-rounder from Saurashtra has got a new lease of life in the ODI format. Jadeja has been phenomenal with the ball and like always, lightning quick in the field. He hasn't batted enough in the series owing to the exploits of the top-order. He is sure to have a good game against Bangladesh. He picked up 4 wickets for 29 runs in the 10 overs that he bowled, the last time these two sides met.

Jadeja will look to continue his good form.

Bowlers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvi will lead the bowling attack.

India's best bowler in this tournament. It's a no-brainer to involve him in this high voltage clash. Bhuvi has been very consistent with the new ball and towards the death as well. He can swing the ball both ways which makes him very lethal and difficult to pick. Bhuvi will be eager to take the field on Friday.

Kuldeep Yadav

The left-arm Chinaman has been a mystery to many. Batsmen have struggled to pick him in this Asia Cup and he has continued his habit of picking up wickets in the middle overs. Kuldeep bowls according to the set plan and is more often than not, rewarded for his hard work. He has had a good tournament so far and he'll look to finish it on a high.

Jasprit Bumrah

The yorker-king has been phenomenal at the death. He played a pivotal role in restricting Pakistan to a score below 250 in the super four stages. He executes his yorkers very well and that makes him stand out. He's very consistent at the death and is a nightmare to many. Jasprit forms a lethal new-ball pair with Bhuvi.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal has been the skipper's go-to man whenever a partnership break is required in the middle-overs. He flights the ball really well and invites the batsmen to play their shots. But what they fail to notice is that he's deceptive through the air and they often end up losing their wickets. He is a really smart bowler and is key to India's bowling plans.