Asia Cup 2018: India's predicted playing XI versus Pakistan

Both India and Pakistan have won their respective opening games against Hong Kong. But the results could not have come in more contrasting fashion.

The Pakistani team won their match very easily after bowling out Hong Kong for a low total. India on the other hand had to overcome a spirited performance from the Hong Kong team to gain a narrow victory.

The match between India and Pakistan is also expected to be a closely fought contest. Let's have a look at the predicted Indian XI for the high-octane clash:

Openers - Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan

Rohit Sharma - The Hitman

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan should definitely be the openers for India in the match against Pakistan. They have been a part of many memorable opening partnerships, helping India win several matches. They both complement each other well while batting together.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan in particular is in good form, having hit a match-winning century versus Hong Kong. Rohit also looks in good nick while batting and should look to play a long innings versus Pakistan. Needless to say, their opening stand will be crucial to India's chances of winning.

Middle order - Ambati Rayudu, KL Rahul, Kedar Jadhav

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu will automatically slot in at number 3 as he looks in good nick after returning to the team. He formed a good partnership with Shikhar Dhawan against Hong Kong; his innings of 60 played a vital role in India's victory.

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KL Rahul

KL Rahul should ideally replace Dinesh Karthik for the match against Pakistan. His aggressive intent will come in handy, especially if he plays the same way as he did in IPL 2018.

Kedhar Jadhav is a handy cricketer with both bat and ball. He is a very busy batsman and likes to run hard between the wickets. His slinging off-spin style has also been very useful when India's main bowlers have gone for runs.

Wicketkeeper and all-rounder - MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya

MS Dhoni - veteran performer

MS Dhoni is still the No. 1 keeper in India and there should be no surprises in his selection. He is an aggressive wicket-keeper and is very swift with his hands behind the wickets. His batting will be also vital for India when playing against Pakistan.

Hardik Pandya should definitely return for the game against Pakistan. His can bowl useful overs for the team and can also take vital wickets. His ability to hit sixes against the spinners can be very helpful for the team.

Spinners - Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal

Kuldeep and Chahal

Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will likely hold the key if India are to beat Pakistan. They need to bowl in tandem together with their usual tight line and length.

If the two perform at their optimum level without getting flustered while bowling in this high profile game, they could well be the game-changers.

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Pacers - Jasprit Bumrah and Khaleel Ahmed

Bumrah - star bowler

Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return for the match against Pakistan. He will be of immense importance while opening the bowling, and also at the death.

The onus would be on Bumrah to take early wickets and not let the other team get off to a good start.

Khaleel Ahmad should definitely be selected ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar given his performance against Hong Kong. He took three vital wickets which went a long way in helping India win the match.

Khaleel bowled with good pace and troubled the batsmen. He is full of confidence and could do well against Pakistan if selected.