Former India fast bowler, RP Singh has revealed his playing XI for the marquee clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A game at Dubai.
Meanwhile, both teams are coming on the back of a win against the minnows Hong Kong. While Pakistan had an easy win, India had to fight hard to open their campaign with a win. The India-Pakistan rivalry is old, and the sub-plots are always fascinating. The two teams are coming up against each other in the UAE – the neutral venue where they have played the most against each other – after a period of 12 long years.
India, however, gave their star players a rest of the clash against Hong Kong. However, RP Singh now feels they will slot back in the first XI against Pakistan. The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer has retained skipper Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan as the opening duo.
Meanwhile, Singh will bat Ambati Rayudu at number three position. Rayudu had also scored a fine fifty against Hong Kong. RP Singh wants to bring in KL Rahul in place of Dinesh Karthik at the number four position.
On the other hand, Singh wants to promote MS Dhoni at the number five position for the marquee clash in this Asia Cup.
Kedar Jadhav makes the cut into the side as he can chip in with some crucial overs. Hardik Pandya also returns to RP Singh’s final XI side.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar who looked a bit rusty in the opening clash also retains his place. Meanwhile, the spin battery of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will play a crucial role as the conditions will be conducive for spin bowling. Jasprit Bumrah returns to the final XI as well. Thus, RP Sing wants to leave Dinesh Karthik, Khaleel Ahmed, and Shardul Thakur and bring in KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Meanwhile, there are some talks that Khaleel Ahmed can hold on to his place as he was able to impress on his debut.
Here is RP Singh’s Predicted XI for India as he gave his choice on his Twitter Account: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni (Wk), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.