An unbeatable current Asia ODI XI

The excitement level has reached its peak as the Asia Cup 2018 is around the corner. Asia is considered to be the powerhouse of World Cricket. Asian teams have produced a barrage of cricketing greats. The level of passion and love for the game that is found in Asian players and fans is unmatchable. While initially Asian countries were considered to be minnows in World Cricket, with time Asian countries have evolved. Moreover, with countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh climbing the ladder, Asia's dominance has increased in international cricket.

The top two players in ICC's ODI batting, bowling and all-rounders rankings are Asian players which is a testimony of the fact that they are ruling the roost in World Cricket right now. With the amount of talent that the Asian teams possess, one might wonder whether any team in the world can defeat an Asia XI team. And most importantly which players can be selected in the Asia XI? We will try to select an ODI Asia XI that is undefeatable.

Openers

#1 Rohit Sharma

Only

batsman to hit 3 ODI double centuries

Rohit Sharma is perhaps the most destructive one-day openers in world cricket right now. Rohit is the only batsman in the history of cricket to score three ODI double centuries. Nicknamed 'Hitman' by his teammates, Rohit has been a sensation as an opener for the Indian team. Once set, the elegant right-hand batsman has the ability to score big runs, and feature of his batting makes him extremely dangerous.

#2 Fakhar Zaman

Zaman has played some brilliant innings at the top of the order for Pakistan

Pakistan had been long struggling to find a dependable opening batsman. The rise of Fakhar Zaman has been able to solve Pakistan's long-standing batting woes. The hard-hitting opener has played some stunning innings at the top of the order for his country. Zaman has been hitting runs consistently and recently became the fastest batsman to reach 1000 ODI runs. He also became the first Pakistani player to hit a double century in ODI cricket.

Middle Order

#3 Virat Kohli (Captain)

Kohli has been magnificent in ODIs

Virat Kohli is arguably the best batsman in the world. The Indian skipper has been scoring heaps of runs in all formats but ODI format seems to be his favourite one. A master of pacing the innings, Virat averages 58.20 in ODIs. Kohli is currently ranked first in the ODI batting ranking. He has the ability not only to hit big shots but also to play according to the situations. Kohli can destroy any bowling attack in the world. He is also a proven leader with a spectacular track record as captain.

#4 Babar Azam

Azam has been 'Mr. Consistent' for Pakistan

Not long ago, Pakistan was considered to be a weak batting side. But in the recent past, Pakistan's batting has improved by leaps and bounds. One of the major reasons for this improvement is Babar Azam. Azam has been the face of consistency for Pakistan. The right-hander has been a run-machine for them, as a result of which he is currently ranked second in the ODI batting rankings.

All-rounders and Wicket-keeper

#5 Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib is the leading all-rounder in the world

One player who is responsible for Bangladesh's rise in world cricket is Shakib Al Hasan. The ace all-rounder has been the backbone of the Bangladesh team for more than a decade now. Shakib has performed both with the bat as well as the ball and is one of the leading all-rounders in the World. He is ranked first in ODI all-rounders ranking.

#6 MS Dhoni

Dhoni can still bludgeon the ball

MS Dhoni might not be the batsman he once used to be, but he is still one of the best cricketing minds in world cricket. The former India captain is known for his ability to read the game and his presence in the team itself is a huge advantage for a team. While with the bat in hand, Dhoni uses his vast experience and is still capable of playing match-winning innings for his team.

#7 Hardik Pandya

Pandya can clear the ground with ease

Hardik Pandya is one of the most promising talents going around the world. The 24-year-old has taken the world by storm by playing some stunning innings for the Indian team. He uses the long handle to good effect and scores quick runs at the back of the innings. Moreover, Pandya's bowling is improving with each passing match and he is turning into a reliable all-rounder for team India.

Spinners

#8 Rashid Khan

Rashid has destroyed batting line-ups with his leg-spin

Rashid Khan has achieved a lot in a very young age. The immensely talented Afghan has played all over the world and has performed in all conditions. He has been a proven match-winner for his country and is currently second in the ODI bowlers ranking. Rashid has foxed some big players in the world and is currently one of the leading leg spinners in international cricket.

#9 Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep is the latest spin sensation of the world

Kuldeep Yadav has been a revelation for India. The young chinaman has been able to perform consistently and is a threat for every opposition he plays against. In the recently concluded ODI series against England, Kuldeep gave a good account of himself by decimating the England batting line-up. Batsmen all over the world have struggled to read Kuldeep and him along with Rashid can form a brilliant spin attack.

Fast bowlers

#10 Mohammad Amir

Amir has made a fantastic return to international cricket

Since his return to international cricket, Mohammad Amir has been in spectacular form. The left-arm seamer has impressed everyone with his control and has annihilated a lot of batting line-ups with his bowling. Amir has the ability to swing the ball both ways with the new ball and has the knack of picking up early wickets. He can be a fantastic addition to any team.

#11 Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah is extremely dangerous in the death overs

One of the major reasons for India's success in ODIs has been Jasprit Bumrah. The 24-year-old has been a real find for the men in blue. Bumrah has improved tremendously in the last couple of years and has bowled some match-winning spells for India. The accuracy with which he bowls his pinpoint yorkers is unbelievable. Bumrah has bamboozled a lot of batsmen with his deadly yorkers and is one of the best death overs bowlers in the world.