Asia Cup 2018: India's predicted XI without Virat Kohli

#2 Middle-order

MSD will play a crucial role in the absence of Kohli

KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni

The Indian middle-order batsmen need to take the responsibility in the absence of Kohli. KL Rahul is likely to bat at number three where Kohli generally bats. He is a magnificent batsman who has a good temperament. Furthermore, he can play big knocks at the top of the batting order. Although his form has been ordinary in the ongoing Test series against England, he is certainly a better player in the limited overs format.

Additionally, Manish Pandey had an incredible Quadrangular series recently where he scored over 300 runs without getting dismissed. Hence, he is likely to get a place in the middle order ahead of Ambati Rayadu. Besides, Dinesh Karthik is likely to play as a specialist batsman and he could be an ideal batsman at number five. Though he had a disappointing Test series in England, he has been a reliable batsman for India in the ODI format. His heroic knock in the Nidahas Trophy final is still remembered and he certainly deserves a place in the starting eleven.

MS Dhoni will be the regular wicket-keeper and he is the most senior player in the squad. As a matter of fact, India will rely on his finishing ability and his batting form will be crucial. Dhoni might bat up the order in the absence of Kohli as well.