Asia Cup 2018: 3 Players India might rest against Afghanistan

Finishing the first round on top saw India producing even better performances in the super 4 round of the Asia Cup 2018. A big win against Bangladesh in the first match of the second round was followed by an even bigger one against arch-rivals Pakistan.

With new captain leading the side, India weren't top favorites of the tournament before the start, however, the Men-in-Blue proved themselves by winning all the matches so far in the tournament

Three players, namely, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur got injured midway, paving way for Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, and Siddhart Kaul. However, only Jadeja has got a go in the playing XI so far.

Having almost qualified for the finals, India might try a few new players in the last match of super 4s round by resting some who have been playing continuously in order to both keep them fit and give other players a chance.

In this piece, we predicted three of the players, India ire expected to rest tomorrow against Afghanistan:

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#1 Shikhar Dhawan

England v India - 1st ODI: Royal London One-Day Series

India's southpaw opener, Shikhar Dhawan, has been in fabulous form in Asia Cup after a dark phase in England. The 32-year-old started the tournament with a big knock of 127 runs against Hong Kong.

In the two matches later, Dhawan scored 46 and 40, while in the last match against Pakistan, he bagged the man of the match award by smashing another ton. He scored 114 runs off 100 balls with the help of 16 fours and 2 sixes.

Shikhar might be rested for Afghanistan encounter to keep him fit for the all-important finals. He could be replaced by another opener, KL Rahul, who hasn't played any match in the tournament so far.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah

ICC World Twenty20 India 2016: Semi-Final: West Indies v India

India's mainstream pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been key for their better bowling performances in the recent past.

Bumrah bowls tight lines and lengths at a very good pace, proving troublesome for the batsmen. Apart from giving early breakthroughs, he bowls equally impressive at the death.

In the Asia Cup, he has seven scalps in three matches to his name. Knowing the harsh conditions of Dubai, India could give the seamer rest against Afghanistan and give a chance to Khaleel Ahmed, who took a 3 wicket haul in his debut match.

#3 Dinesh Karthik

India v West Indies: Group B - ICC Champions Trophy

Wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik was a surprise inclusion in the squad with MS Dhonia part of the team.

However, it later proved that he was included as a batsman. He batted at number four in the tournament and played a few cameos.

Karthik appeared in all the four matches. He might pave way to the in-form Manish Pandey, who has been waiting for a chance for a long time.