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The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the greatest rivalries in cricket. As the two great cricketing sides have not competed with each other in bilateral series lately, the matches between India and Pakistan in a multinational tournament become the most anticipated ones.
While players on both sides might downplay the hype surrounding the fixture but everyone involved- from fans to players to the coaching staff, everyone knows that it is more than a simple cricket match.
The last match between these two teams was at the champions trophy final where Pakistan beat India comprehensively by 180 runs and won the tournament. They will lock horns with each other once again in Asia cup 2018 on September 19.
With skipper Virat Kohli being rested, Rohit Sharma will be leading the Indian side. Both the sides from subcontinent will look to gain an early upper hand on each other. Indian cricket team will look field the best possible combination in order to win the match against their bitter rivals. The following team listed could very well be the balanced side that India needs in order to beat Pakistan.
1) Rohit Sharma (Captain)
With Virat Kohli being rested for the tournament, Rohit Sharma has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian side in Asia cup 2018.
Rohit Sharma is a colossus when it comes to the limited overs format. With an impressive average of 45 in ODIs, the Mumbaikar can change the course of any match singlehandedly. He is the only batsman to have three double hundreds in ODIs and India will be hoping that he gets his fourth double ton against the Pakistan side.
2) Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan has struggled lately in the test format but he certainly is a very important player in the limited overs format for the Indian team.
Like his opening partner, he also averages around 45 in ODIs and India will hope that he gives a good start against Pakistan. When on form, the left-hander blows away the opposition bowling attack and gives his side the upper hand in the game.
3) KL Rahul
A good Asia cup for the highly rated KL Rahul - who looks most likely play at the number three position in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli - could open the doors for him to cement his position in the side for the long run.
Despite his inconsistent performances in the test arena, he's a brilliant batsman when it comes to ODIs and can be devastating if he gets going. In a high-pressure game against Pakistan, the number three position becomes even more crucial and the Kannada batsman poses an intimidating prospect for the opposition bowlers.
4) Ambati Rayudu
The musical chairs for the number four position in the batting order continues again in this Asia cup for India. Ambati Rayudu was primed for the number four position against England but the failed yo-yo test stopped him from joining the Indian side on England tour.
He could get a fair crack at the position in this tournament and Indian thinktank will hope that he grabs this opportunity with both hands. India will hope for him to provide solidity in the middle order against Pakistan.
5) Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav is a prime candidate for batting in lower middle order since he can also roll his arm over and provide an additional bowling option. With Raina failing to make an impact against England, Jadhav has a chance to grab his opportunity and secure his place in the side once again.
A good performance from him could be pivotal for India's tournament as he will provide stability and balance to Indian side which it badly craves. It will only happen if he steps up to the occasion.
6) MS Dhoni
Dhoni hasn't been in good form recently but he remains the first choice at number six in the batting order. He will again don his role as a finisher in this Asia cup as he has successfully done for India over the years.
With Virat Kohli not being in the side, his responsibility as a senior player increases even more. MS Dhoni will be crucial for the Indian team as a batsman and more so as a senior figure to bring calm on the field in clutch situations against Pakistan.
7) Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya was dropped in the last test match against England but the all-rounder is a completely different player in the limited overs format. He will play a very important role as an additional pacer and a finisher down the middle order.
In 2017 champions trophy final, he singlehandedly blew away Pakistan's bowling lineup in the final and India will hope for a similar performance this time around as well.
8) Bhuvneshwar Kumar
India missed his services in both the ODI series and test series but Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back again to lead this Indian bowling attack. His new ball and bowling at the death were dearly missed against England in the ODIs.
A fully fit Bhuvi will lead the Indian bowling attack against Pakistan and he has a brilliant record against the neighbors in the past. He can also add some valuable runs down the order and is a reliable hand in case Indian batting fails to perform.
9) Kuldeep Yadav
The pitches in UAE will help spinners and Kuldeep Yadav will make full use of these conditions. He is one of the best spin bowler going around at the moment in limited overs format.
Batsman have a nightmare in trying to pick him and he can run the Pakistan batsman ragged with his tricky deliveries. India will rely heavily on him for wickets in the middle overs.
10) Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal forms a formidable spin bowling pair along with Kuldeep Yadav. He has caused a lot of trouble even on non-spinner friendly pitches in South Africa and England
His best attribute is his uncanny ability to pick wickets in the pressure situations as he shows incredible composure even when the batsmen look to attack him. India and captain Rohit Sharma will expect a lot of wickets in the middle overs from the spinner pair.
11) Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is one of, if not the best fast bowler in limited overs format right now. He can cause a lot of trouble with the new ball but he's a specialist when it comes to bowling in death overs.
He can bowl yorkers at will and has the capability to blow away a batting lineup. He'll play a very important role for India in the whole tournament and a good showing against Pakistan can give the Indian camp plenty to cheer about.
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