Asia Cup 2018: Probable Indian Playing XI for the Group Stage

Wicket Keeper: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni's presence will be a great asset for India in Asia Cup

One of the greatest ever wicketkeepers to have played the game, MS Dhoni's vast experience in the shorter formats, his smart work behind the stumps, his proven ability to bat with the tail and his magnificent prowess to rescue India from trouble makes him the first choice wicketkeeper bat for India. His quick running between the wickets is still intact, and he is without a doubt, the fittest cricketer in this Indian team.

At 37, he doesn't get any younger but the fact that he is still fit and provides valuable opinions for DRS from behind the stumps makes him the best in the business. His finishing abilities have come under the scanner in recent times but if he can bat at No. 4 or 5, he will have his own time to settle and can contribute in a better way with the bat.

Playing him at No. 5 or 6 adds that extra pressure of settling down in real quick time and also to play the role of a finisher, which is not best suited for him, certainly not for a person who is 37.

Youngsters such as Pandya should take up Dhoni's mantle as being one of the great finishers and it is quite unfair in the part of the team management to expect Dhoni to continue finishing games for India. But the fact that he can still rescue India after a batting collapse and also play the role of a fit wicketkeeper in the team is a talent that Mahendra Singh Dhoni possesses.