India's best XI for the Asia Cup final

The Asia Cup 2018 is heading towards its fag end with the finale to be played on September 28.

India, who are already in the finals, are all set to meet the winner of the Bangladesh-Pakistan match. India, the most successful team in the Asia Cup history, are unbeaten this Asia Cup too.

The defending champions have been unmatched this tournament so far and have defeated their opponents quite comprehensively.

They were about to get subdued only twice in the tournament that too by unexpected teams. Hong Kong had almost pulled off upset while chasing only to miss by 26 runs.

The next they came close to defeat was against Afghanistan. Riding on a magnificent century by Mohammed Shahzad and a vital knock by Mohammed Nabi, Afghanistan posted a competitive score of 252.

India started the chase with a bang as both the openers, Ambati Rayudu and KL Rahul, scored a half-century and together stitched a 110-run opening partnership.

However, after their departure in a span of 4 overs, India lost the plot and the match ended in a dramatic tie.

Looking at the recent performances, India certainly look sure to successfully defend their title. It will be a huge confidence booster for the team ahead of the upcoming Cricket World Cup in 2019.

Here is the best Playing XI that might line up in the final on September 28th.

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Openers

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma (C)

The opening duo has been magnificent this Asia Cup

The openers have done a great job this Asia Cup. Barring the game against Hong Kong, the duo has stitched 50+ partnership in every match.

Dhawan in particular has been outstanding as has been the case with him in every ODI tournament. He has two centuries to his name, which includes a 100-ball-114 against Pakistan in the super four stage.

With 327 runs in 4 innings, he is the highest run-getter too.

Rohit too has done a great job both as a captain and an opener. With 269 runs in 4 games, he is the tournament's second highest run-getter.

Middle Order

KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (WK)

KL Rahul is in good touch

In the absence of Kohli, the no. 3 spot looks good for Karnataka's KL Rahul. He has looked in good touch since this year's IPL and had a good England tour too. Though he was a bit rusty in the Test Series, he scored a brilliant 149 in the last Test against England.

Likewise, Rayudu has also been in supreme form since the IPL. Playing for the Chennai franchise, he played a pivotal role in Chennai's IPL triumph. He should play at no. 4 given he has the ability to bat deep and he never really struggles to take out singles and doubles.

The experience of MS Dhoni may be used in no. 5 position. He has the great ability to adjust his game. Quick between the wickets, he can use the long handle at will.

All-rounders

Ravindra Jadeja and Kedar Jadhav

Jadeja scalped four wickets in his comeback game

Kedar Jadhav, fondly called the 'man with a golden arm', has the ability to take wickets irrespective of the situation. His 3 wicket haul against Pakistan in the group stage decimated Pakistan's batting attack as they were bowled out for 162. He is a good contributor with the bat too that makes him ideal for no. 6 position.

With Hardik being ruled out of the tournament due to injury, Jadeja returned to the ODI scene after a year. He made a dream comeback as his 4 wicket haul led India, as they bundled out Bangladesh for 173 runs. India chased the total with ease and they handed over a 7 wicket defeat to Bangladesh.

With 7 wickets to his name in 3 games, he is the tournament's 3rd highest wicket-taker.

Spinners

Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal

The young wrist spinners duo are doing a great job for India

After casting their magic in South Africa and England, the duo of Kuldeep and Chahal or 'KulCha' has been doing the same in this Asia Cup.

Although they have failed to pick heaps of wickets, they have definitely succeeded in restraining the scoring. With an economy of less than 5, they are amongst the tournament's most economical bowlers.

Pace Attack

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is the World no.1 ODI Bowler

With the likes of Bhuvneshwar and death specialist Bumrah, India possess a lethal pace attack.

The pacers have done a great job in this tournament as they have provided breakthroughs from the word go. As a result, the opposition has not been able to score high scores.

Bumrah, with his variations and pin-point yorkers, is one of the toughest bowlers to play.

To no surprise, he is the most economical bowler in the tournament and with 7 wickets in 3 games, he is the tournament's second highest wicket-taker.