Asia Cup 2014: Subcontinent's current best XI for ODIs

7. M.S.Dhoni (Capt. and Wk)

MS Dhoni

India’s captain is deservedly the leader of this Asia XI. The rise of and rise of MS Dhoni has been the individual story of the last cricketing decade in my opinion. The player hasn’t put a step wrong ever since he began leading the national side in 2007.

The victory at the inaugural T20 competition earned him the right to build a team of the future which eventually fulfilled India’s long-standing dream of being the world champions.

He maintained the nation’s dominance in the limited overs format by leading the triumphant side at the Champions Trophy in 2013 and there seems to be no stopping him. He merits selection in this side simply for his leadership abilities and the coincidental fact that he is the best finisher in the game’s long history is a merry bonus.

8. Ravindra Jadeja/Shakib-al-Hasan

Shakib-al-Hasan

We have a tie for this spot. Both Ravindra Jadeja and Shakib-al-Hasan boast of a similar skill set providing the side with an economical, wicket-taking spin option particularly competent in sub-continent conditions and limited but critical batting ability.

It is very difficult to choose between the players as they are electrifying on the field and have a kind of X-factor that enables them to make sudden and momentum-swinging impact on the game.

Shakib’s inclusion in the list is also prompted by our need for being representative as there would be no other Bangladesh cricketer in our side otherwise.

Bowlers

9. Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal is arguable the best spinner operating in world cricket at the moment. He has all the elements of a competent practitioner of spin: an effective stock delivery, variation in speed and flight, accuracy, adaptability and a trump card par excellence that is the doosra.

He has bowled some match-winning spells for his side last year memorably two 4-wicket hauls against South Africa and Sri Lanka. The fact that he is fairly orthodox has a certain degree of charm at a time when the game is moving towards the phenomenon of the mystery spinner.

Ravichandran Ashwin would come close to the exploits of Ajmal but his lack of success overseas is a hindrance as well as the fact that he tends to lose himself in the multitude of options that he creates for himself. Disagreements are welcome.

10. Umar Gul

Umar Gul

The fiesty pace bowler from Pakistan is a typical product in a grand tradition of fast bowling. Umar Gul has been around for a while but he seems to have matured as the spearhead of the team’s bowling attack. He has adapted, and gradually improved his skill-set with greater exposure to international cricket and is now the complete package.

He has a deadly out-swinger that tempts batsmen at the top of the innings into their own downfall, an ability to reverse-swing the ball in sub-continental conditions and a toe-killing yorkers that are unleashed during the death overs. He may not reach the legend of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis but he is a handful at the moment.

11. Junaid Khan

Junaid Khan

Junaid Khan’s career stats in the limited format of the game give an indication of the talent that he possesses. He has picked up 73 wickets in 42 matches at an average of 22 runs @ 5.33 runs per over. The pacer has the gift of swing and pace. He poses a threat to the top-order batsmen with his first spell when he brings the ball into the right-handed batsmen with the odd ball moving in the opposite direction.

He can bowl with impressive pace which means that he cannot be knocked around easily in the middle overs and gradual experience will make him a better bowler. He was very impressive late last year picking up 13 wickets in a 5-match series against Sri Lanka which was preceded by an equally impressive display in South Africa.

The left-hand fast bowler is yet another delicious prospect from Pakistan who must be preserved from the many distractions that come with being an international cricketer.

12th Man:

Mashrafe Mortaza

Mashrafe Mortaza: The Bangladesh pacer is recognized for his untiring service of his nation. The fast-bowler had an out-standing skill set and gives the Bangladesh side a different dimension alongside their traditional strength that is economical spin bowling.

Mortaza has a stock out-swinger that is delivered with significant speed which makes him a potent weapon on a lively surface. It is extremely difficult to have any degree of longevity in a struggling side and Mortaza has proved his utility to his national side over the years.

He was the architect of a top achievement when Bangladesh progressed from the group stages of the 2007 World Cup when he picked up a 4-wicket haul against India.