India's predicted second-string squad for Asia Cup

The Indian team led by their captain Virat Kohli won the third Test against England by thrashing them by 203 runs. The Indian side were absolutely ruthless as they did not give England any chance to make a comeback into the game. They are now trailing 2-1 in the five-match Test series.

Immediately after the conclusion of the Test series, the Indian team will have to travel to United Arab Emirates for the Asia Cup which will take place between September 15 and September 30.

Since the Indian players would be exhausted after the Test series, we could expect the BCCI to send a second-string squad for the Asia Cup, with some experienced players along with a few newbies and youngsters.

We might even see Virat Kohli rest for the Asia Cup and not take part. In his place, we could see Rohit Sharma take up the captaincy. But, what about the rest of the squad?

Let us take a look at what the squad could be if the BCCI sends a second-string side.

Batsmen

Rohit Sharma

The "Hitman" will be the captain of the Indian team if Virat Kohli is rested. Rohit has captained India in the past against Sri Lanka.

He was not included in the Test squad against England and thus will be completely fresh to take on the Asian sides, including the much-awaited clash against Pakistan. He could be the key to success for India.

KL Rahul

Rahul might be one of the few players from the England tour to play the Asia Cup. The reason for this is that he has not been given many chances to open the batting and this could be the perfect opportunity for him.

He will look to make use of the conditions in UAE and score a lot of runs to cement his place in the side.

Middle-order

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu was extremely unlucky to miss out on India's ODI squad to take on England as he failed the yo-yo Test. He will surely be a part of the Asia Cup squad but will once again have to take the test. He will look to work hard, pass the test, and make a comeback to the ODI squad. He could be very useful at no. 3

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer was included in India's squad to take on England but did not play a single game. He is extremely talented and could be the perfect no. 4 batsman for India. If he does well, India could even consider him as a permanent batsman at this position.

Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav was an extremely important part of the Indian squad last year but injuries put him on the sidelines.

He is fit now and will look to get back onto the field. He can be a match-winner with the bat and pick up regular wickets with the ball as well.

MS Dhoni

Since MS Dhoni is not playing Tests and playing only limited-overs, he will be included in the playing XI for the Asia Cup. He will look to be the "second captain" as he usually does and guide the inexperienced players on the field.

All-rounders

Krunal Pandya

Despite playing so well in the IPL, Krunal Pandya has not yet got a chance to make his debut for the Indian cricket team.

He will be itching to get out there on the field and prove himself. He could be the finisher for the side and bowl 10 overs with the ball.

Axar Patel

Like Manish Pandey, Axar Patel too has been quite inconsistent and has not been able to take many wickets or score many runs.

If a second-string side is sent, he will be included and will look to make the most of his chance and send a message to the selectors.

Bowlers

Yuzvendra Chahal

The leggie was not included in the Test squad and hence, will be a sure starter in the team for the upcoming Asia Cup. He will look to lead the Indian spin attack and pick up lots of wickets.

Shardul Thakur

Thakur is currently a part of the Indian Test squad but it is highly unlikely that he will play in the remaining two Tests. Hence, he will be itching to get out onto the field and play. His chance will surely come in the Asia Cup. He will look to make a mark for himself and pick up many wickets.

Mohammed Siraj

Siraj has played 3 T20Is for India but did not perform well, conceding a lot of runs. However, ODIs are different and Siraj could definitely prove to be a match-winner for Team India.

Backups

Mayank Agarwal has been in brilliant form in the domestic circuit

Deepak Chahar was a sensation in the IPL and he could be given a chance to prove himself in the Asia Cup. His ability to swing the ball in the first few overs could prove to be very useful for India

Mayank Agarwal has been outstanding in the domestic circuit for Karnataka. However, he still hasn't got a chance with the national side. The Asia Cup could be the perfect opportunity for him to prove himself.R

Rishabh Pant, the young wicketkeeper-batsman made his Test debut against England and showed everyone what he can do with the bat.

He has been in sensational form with the bat at the domestic level and in the IPL and he will surely replace MS Dhoni once he retires. However, with Dhoni still there, he might have to be on the bench.

Washington Sundar has been extremely effective for India in the 6 T20Is he has played but has did not play too well in the only ODI he played. The Asia Cup could be the perfect platform for him to prove himself.