Asia Cup | India’s Predicted XI for Super Four game against new-age rival Bangladesh in Dubai
BCCI
India take on Bangladesh in their first match of the Super Four stage amidst three injury setbacks in the form of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur. However, given how the team fared against Pakistan in the last game, their plan B shouldn’t be a big headache ahead of the crucial game.
Batsman
Rohit Sharma- India’s biggest hope in the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma has been standing up to everyone’s hopes quite well. After an under par innings against Hong Kong, Rohit came up with a crucial knock of 52 runs against Pakistan while chasing. Bangladesh won’t be any easier and Rohit would need to be consistent from now on.
Shikhar Dhawan- It’s amazing how the southpaw evolves into a ruthless weapon from a worrisome asset whenever he is placed in sub-continental conditions. Returning from England after a disappointing Test series that prompted many to state it as his last Test series ever, Dhawan has scores of 127 and 46 in the first two matches. He would have the onus to give India the perfect start.
Ambati Rayudu- Taking on the role of Virat Kohli to perfection, the Chennai Super Kings star has extended his consistent form in ODIs as well. Playing last for India back in 2016, Rayudu has hardly looked out of touch and was quintessential for India’s two wins so far. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game would come in handy for India.
Dinesh Karthik- Bangladesh would still have memories of the Nidahas Trophy final fresh in their mind and will have every reason to fear the ODI veteran. His superior technique and variety of shots up his sleeves will be India’s biggest weapon in the middle overs. Coming just before MS Dhoni, and with Pandya now missing, Karthik might have to play a huge role alongside the former captain in finishing things off.
MS Dhoni- Dhoni is now pretty much the guardian looking over the cricket team, who expertise is only called upon when necessary. He has batted only once scoring a duck so far, but we are well aware of his abilities and are quite sure that when the time comes, Dhoni will have no qualms stepping up his game.
All-rounder
Kedar Jadhav- His contribution has been priceless in the opening two games of the tournament. While he steeped in to eat up the overs against Hong Kong when all other bowlers were getting whacked over the ropes, he was needed to take wickets in the second game against Pakistan. Though Kedar still comes to the game as a batsman, Rohit would turn to him when things look clogged.
Bowlers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar- In Pandya’s absence, Bhuvneshwar Kumar would be the closest thing to an all-rounder against Bangladesh. After an initial shocker against Hong Kong when he was taken to the stands often, the bowler has announced his comeback with some lethal bowling against Pakistan, ending the match with figures of 3/15. An in-form Bangladesh would a tougher nut to crack for sure and Bhuvneshwar would need that extra edge today.
Jasprit Bumrah- India
Kuldeep Yadav- Almost all the teams on the Super Four are evidently good spin players which makes it doubly difficult for India’s wrist spinners to ply their trade. Hence, Yadav would need to work all the variations up his sleeves to get something out of it. The good news, however, is that he is up and about it with his dismissal of Babar Azam a good example.
Yuzvendra Chahal- Following his significant contribution in pulling India off from the throes of defeat against Hong Kong, Chahal had a quiet game against Pakistan. But, we have all heard tales of how both the wrist spinners are partners in crime and make master plans in order to get their prey. There’s no doubt Chahal will be benched to accommodate a plan B.
Khaleel Ahmed- Yes, you have read it right and I have
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