Asia Cup 2018: The best possible XI of India without Virat Kohli

Middle-Order:

KL Rahul

Rahul is timing the white ball perfectly so he should be given more chances to prove himself

KL Rahul has been brilliant this year in the white ball cricket. Rahul has evolved as an attacking batsman after his amazing IPL season. KL Rahul is an extremely talented batsman who has the ability to hit the shots all over the ground.

His classical shots and impeccable technique makes him worthy for number 3 spot in the absence of Virat Kohli.

Rahul is timing the white ball perfectly so he should be given more chances to prove himself. Rahul deserves a place in the national team to prove himself after his amazing hundred in the second inning of the final test match against England.

Manish Pandey

Pandey is a reliable stroke-maker in the middle-order of the Indian team with the ability to pull out unorthodox strokes under pressure

Manish Pandey got a new life after he scored 306 runs in the 4 matches in the India A Quadrangular series.

He was not out in the entire series. His smashing form could strengthen India's middle order. Pandey is perfect for India to bat at No. 4 in the Asia Cup.

It could be a good chance for Pandey to solidify his spot in the Indian national team. Pandey is very good at chasing the target which would be important for India in the absence of Kohli. Pandey is a reliable stroke-maker in the middle-order of the Indian team with the ability to pull out unorthodox strokes under pressure.

Kedar Jadhav

Jadhav is a lower middle order batsman who is known to play unorthodox and cheeky shots

India currently needs a batting all-rounder who could be India's sixth option for bowling, here Kedar Jadhav fits that criteria. Jadhav is a lower middle order batsman who is known to play unorthodox and cheeky shots. With his peculiar bowling action is also a very handy bowler to get breakthroughs at a risky stage. India cannot solely rely on Hardik to bowl his complete quota of 10 overs. So, India needs Kedar in the Asia Cup as an attacking middle-order batsman who could bowl a few very effective overs.