India will start their Asia Cup 2022 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Before the clash, there has been much discussion about India’s playing XI. With the return of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in the side, there are bound to be a few changes to provide balance to the side.
Top-order
Skipper Rohit Sharma will be opening the innings alongside KL Rahul. The Karnataka batter has made a return to international arena after recovering from sports hernia surgery. He looked unimpressive against Zimbabwe in the ODI format and will look to regain his form against old foes. The no.3 batting position is a no-brainer. Kohli will come in at no.3. In the last clash against Pakistan, Kohli scored a half-century to help them recover from early collapse.
Middle-order
Suryakumar Yadav has been in top form of late. He scored a century against England in unsuccessful run chase. Suryakumar is capable of scoring at a brisk rate in the middle overs. At no.5, he will be complimented by wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
There may be a shuffle in the order as per game situation. Traditionally, Hardik Pandya will come at no.7. He will be followed by Ravindra Jadeja. Dinesh Karthik may not get a chance against Pakistan despite being touted as designated finisher as Rohit may want to bolster the bowling lineup.
Lower-order (bowlers)
Ravichandran Ashwin may get a chance if the pitch assists spinners as India have a fast-bowling option in Hardik Pandya. Also Ashwin’s presence boosts India’s batting depth. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be India’s frontline pacer. Bhuvneshwar can trouble Pakistan batters with his swing. His fast-bowling partner will be Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pacer can be the X-factor India need in their bowling lineup.
Arshdeep has proved himself to be an economical bowler at the death. Yuzvendra Chahal will be India’s first-choice leg-spinner. India missed Chahal’s services in the T20 World Cup 2021. The leggie has been in good form as well.
India’s Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
