Asia Cup 2018: India's predicted XI against Afghanistan

Having outclassed opponents in their way, India have romped to the finals of the Asia Cup on the back of four consecutive victories. They have beaten Hong Kong, Bangladesh and fierce rivals Pakistan twice to cement their place in the final with a game in hand.

They go toe-to-toe with Afghanistan tomorrow in a dead-rubber clash. The Afghans, who started the tournament on a strong note with two wins, endured a couple of defeats in the Super Four that saw them bow out of the competition.

With the all-important final looming large, the Men In Blue could rest some of their big guns for the match tomorrow. Without further ado, let's look at India's potential starting XI against Afghanistan.

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Openers - Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul

The in-form Shikhar Dhawan might be rested

The Indian openers have been on fire in this tournament. They illustrated their skill, understanding of the surface and maturity in their match-winning opening stand of 210 runs in their recent encounter against Pakistan.

However, with the final in mind, the management could decide to give the explosive Shikhar Dhawan a breather. The southpaw has top-scored with 327 runs in four games. While the skipper Rohit Sharma picks himself, KL Rahul will be given a chance to prove himself.

The Karnataka batsman can operate in the middle order as well, but with the number 5 and 6 batters not having got many balls to face, he could be asked to start the innings with the captain.

Middle order and wicket-keeper

Rayudu will occupy the important number 3 spot

The middle order from number 4 to 7 hasn't been tested yet in the tournament, and the coach is likely to go with them for this game.

Ambati Rayudu, who has put in a good shift at the one-down spot, will mostly keep his place in the XI. Although Dinesh Karthik hasn't had a whole lot to do, he might be replaced by Manish Pandey. Based on Pandey's performance tomorrow, the selectors will take a call on the number 4 spot.

Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni will complete the middle-order. Their power hitting and sensible demeanour could make the difference if the Afghan spinners pick up early wickets. MS Dhoni failed to get off the mark against Afghanistan and laboured to 33 runs against Bangladesh. He will be looking to add to that tally.

Jadhav has been fantastic with those off-breaks and round-arm deliveries, but much like others around him, hasn't been called upon for a big task yet.

All-rounders and fast bowlers

Jadeja has made a strong comeback

With stunning figures of 10-0-29-4, Ravindra Jadeja announced himself in this year's Asia Cup. He will fill the number 7 position and hope to impress with the bat as well.

Fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have been nothing short of magnificent and consistent so far. While most of the credit has gone to the spinners, the pace attack have set it up on a platter for them, dismantling many top order batsmen in the process. While Kumar has sent six batsmen to the pavilion in four games, Bumrah has claimed seven scalps in three matches. They have bowled at tremendous economies of 4.08 and 3.37 respectively.

However, the young Khaleel Ahmed, who made his debut against Hong Kong, will be given a go for the second time this campaign. He will mostly be accompanied by Siddharth Kaul. The latter has been around the ODI setup for a few months now and he will feel this is a chance to impress the selectors.

Spinners

Yadav has spun a web around many batsmen so far

Well, they need no further introduction. Yuzvendra Chahal and especially Kuldeep Yadav, have been in sublime form this competition. Not only have they restricted the flow of runs in the middle overs, but also picked up crucial wickets and in turn, broken partnerships. Both of them have five wickets each in four games.

Apart from their role in the side to hit the right lengths, slow the opposition's scoring rate and try to outfox the willow-wielders, the onus will be on them to cover up if the inexperienced bowlers go for runs.