Asia Cup 2018: Two Things India Wants to Achieve in the UAE

Team India is all geared up to take part in the six-nation Asia Cup 2018 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after a disappointing tour of England. The just managed to win the Twenty20 International series by a 2-1 margin. However, they were beaten in the One-day International series by the same margin which they inflicted on England in the 20-over format.

In the Test series, India was competitive all through and could have won the series 3-2. However, the English players seized the opportunities at crucial junctures of the game. It eventually helped them win the series by a 4-1 margin.

The Asia Cup 2018 is all slated to start from tomorrow, and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will face each other in the tournament opener. India plays their first match against Hong Kong on 18^th September followed by the big marquee clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 19.

Well, it will be a tricky time for India as they look to settle some issues.

Now, without wasting any time, let us have a look at two things which India wants to achieve from the Asia Cup 2018.

To end the dilemma at the No. 4 position:

For a long time, the Men in Blue has been searching a reliable No. 4 batsman which they have lacked in the recent past.

India has played some exceptional brand of cricket in the recent past. However, they haven’t found a reliable number four batsmen who has been consistent enough.

To accommodate KL Rahul, Virat Kohli dropped to number four position in the ODI series against England.

However, it won’t be the case this time around. Ambati Rayudu has been included in the squad after finally passing the Yo-Yo test. Hence it will be interesting to see who comes out to bat at the No. 3 position when India meet Hong Kong.

Testing out the bench strength ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019:

The Men in Blue won’t play too many ODI matches going into the World Cup 2019. Hence the Asia Cup 2018 will be a sort of a preparation tournament for the quadrennial event. Moreover, it’s scheduled to be held next year.

The Men in Blue will definitely want to test out their bench strength ahead of a tournament like the World Cup.

In addition, injuries are part and parcel of the game. However, India needs to ensure that everyone is well prepared. And grab the opportunity with both hands in the Asia Cup 2018 in UAE.