Asia Cup 2018: India's likely XI for the game against Hong Kong

The poor scheduling by the Asian Cricket Council left India in a bother as they need to play two fifty-over games in 2 consecutive days during Asia Cup 2018. However, India has got the capability to rotate their players to overcome the workload issue for few players.

Based on the two games on a trot, here is the likely XI for the game against Hong Kong on September 18th at Dubai. This would also be the best chance for the team management to look after the skills of certain players.

Here is India’s likely XI vs Hong Kong for Asia Cup 2018:

Openers – Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul

Probably, India might rest Shikhar Dhawan for the first game. He was the regular member in the team for a long time now and featured in every limited-over format game. With KL Rahul available in the ranks, India can opt rest for the Delhi lad.

In absence of Shikhar Dhawan, India will go with KL Rahul and the skipper Rohit Sharma as the openers for the game against Hong Kong. By the way, Shikhar Dhawan will be fresh for the game against Pakistan on the very next day.

As Rohit Sharma got enough rest for not being part of Test series, he can cope up with 2 games in a day. On the other hand, it is important for KL Rahul to show the world his calibre as the batsman.

Number 3- Ambati Rayudu

The vacant number 3 position will be taken by Ambati Rayudu. He is in submissive form and broke all the records while playing as an opener for Chennai Super Kings in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2018.

It would be the best chance for Ambati Rayudu to cement his place in the team by knocking a good tally against Hong Kong. The game against Hong Kong will be a virtual battle among team India batsmen.

Middle-Order – Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik

The incredible run of form in the quadrangular series will certainly push Indian team management to play Manish Pandey at number 4 for India. He has been incredible in the recent domestic tournament with a handful of runs in his kitty.

Another player who is coming into the game after a lengthy lay-off is Kedar Jadhav, He will be the certain starter for the team as he got the bowling hand as well. As none of the top-order batsmen can roll their arms, Kedar Jadhav will be crucial for India.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni might also take the rest for the Hong Kong game considering the high-profile game on the next day. The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik might do the glovework for the team instead of MS Dhoni.

Spin department – Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel

Another big name missing in the spin department is Kuldeep Yadav. He has been sensational in the recent England tour as far as limited overs are concerned. India might not risk him as he could be the game changer against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, it has been a long time since??Axar Patel getting the game. He was on the bench for a long time and possibly, he might chip in the playing XI in the absence of Axar Patel.

On the other side of the coin, Yuzvendra Chahal will continue his services for the team as he got decent rest in the recent past.

Fast bowling – Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Khaleel Ahmed

Possibly, the debut cap is at the store for Khaleel Ahmed against Hong Kong. India is in quest of a left-arm fast bowler for a long time and it would be the best chance for the team management to test Khaleel Ahmed.

He has been sensational in the domestic circuit with decent performances for India A. He will take the position of Jasprit Bumrah, who desperately needs rest. He will be the key for India’s chances against Pakistan and further.

Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be back in the side to look after the fast bowling. With no Bumrah in the side, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will nurture the young fast bowlers in the team.

Shardul Thakur, who is travelling with the team for a long time might also find a place in the playing XI for India against Hong Kong. Their performance will certainly make an impact in their survival at International level.