Asia Cup 2018: Match 5, India vs Pakistan - India's Predicted Playing XI

India will square off with arch-rivals Pakistan in the fifth match of the ongoing Asia Cup. Thus, the much-awaited contest is going to be on display. Both the nemesis had last contested in the Champions Trophy final when Pakistan had gone on to win by a gargantuan margin of 180 runs. India vs Pakistan match is always highlighted with India’s batting vs Pakistan bowling. In fact, once again it is going to be the same contest.

However, there is no denying the fact that India’s bowling has taken some giant strides in the recent past. But Virat Kohli’s absence is going to leave a big void in the batting line-up. Thus, India’s interim captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Shikhar Dhawan are going to hold the key at the top of the order.

Meanwhile, India’s inexperienced middle order can have a tough time against potent Pakistan bowling line-up. Thus, it won’t be a bad idea to get in MS Dhoni at the number four position.

On the other hand, Pakistan will like to repeat their previous outing success against India. They have some promising batsmen in their team and they would bank on them to deliver the goods.

Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI.

Rohit Sharma (c)

Rohit Sharma is going to hold the key against Pakistan. Sharma has been in fine form in the limited over cricket and would like to lead with the bat. The right-hander will like to provide a good start.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan didn’t have the best of England tour. However, the southpaw batsman is a different batsman in the white ball version and scored a fine hundred against Hong Kong. Dhawan will like to provide a good platform.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul had finally hit his form in the last innings of the England series. Thus, the right-hander would be confident to hit the ground running in Dubai.

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu had scored a fine fifty against Hong Kong. Thus, he would be able to retain his place in the playing XI against Pakistan.

Kedar Jadhav

Jadhav is all set to return to action after his injury hiatus. Jadhav fills in the shoes of the sixth bowler as he can chip in a couple of overs if one bowler has an off day at the office.

MS Dhoni

Dhoni will like to get back into form.

MS Dhoni’s experience is going to be pivotal in the high-octane clash. Dhoni hasn’t been in the best of forms and would like to come up good in the all-important clash.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya will like to contribute more with the ball. Pandya will like to hit the correct length in the testing conditions of Dubai.

Kumar is back.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India’s pack leader Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to action after suffering from the back injury. Kumar has the ability to swing the ball both ways and is accurate with his line and length. However, he looked rusty against Hong Kong.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav has been instrumental in the success of the Indian team. Yadav has done well for the team in the limited overs form and would like to continue with the good work.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal wasn’t impressive on the England tour. Therefore, Chahal will like to bounce back strong in Asia Cup. Chahal will like to hit the ground running in Dubai.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has shown an upward swing in his improvement graph. Bumrah hits the bullseye with his yorkers with deadly accuracy.