India's predicted playing 11 against Pakistan

#2 Middle order

4. Dinesh Karthik

5. MS Dhoni

6. Kedar Jadhav

7. Ravindra Jadeja

An match-winning player

Dinesh Karthik has gotten starts but he hasn't converted them into big scores. The team management probably recognizes this and he is expected to keep his place. He is just one fifty away from causing havoc in the opposition camp.

MS Dhoni has been a stalwart for Indian cricket for ages and he has finally gotten some runs under his belt. He scored 33 against Bangladesh and played fluently. He perished while attempting to finish off things with a maximum. Dhoni did get a good start against a formidable Bangladeshi bowling line-up which dismantled the Sri Lanka batsmen.

MS Dhoni was always going to be scrutinized based on his batting performances as his wicket-keeping is never a problem. He will look to get a big score if he does get a chance to bat.

Kedhar Jadhav has been the X-factor in this Indian line-up. He can finish games when required and he is a mystery bowler for many. With an unorthodox action, he chips in with wickets regularly and he is a partnership breaker. Jadhav has been consistent and he will retain his place in the playing 11 unless he gets injured.

Jadeja was scintillating in his comeback game, picking up 4 wickets for 29 runs in his 10 overs. His batting form has been good and his counter-attacking 86 against England in the fifth Test bears testimony to it. A live-wire in the field, Jadeja is a real asset to any team.