Asia Cup 2022: Super Four, Match 8 - Predicted India Playing XI vs Pakistan

India is set to lock horns with Pakistan, again, in their first game of the Super Four stage. India is backed with two good wins, one against Pakistan and the other against Hong Kong. By winning both their games of the group stage, India secured an early Super Four berth and would now be looking to continue the winning momentum and upset Pakistan again.

The venue remains the same, and the upcoming game will again be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the two teams are very much aware of the pitch conditions. India suffered a major blow when Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the tournament on Friday, September 3. But they have a like-for-like substitute for him in the form of Axar Patel.

Jadeja was one of the players, after Hardik Pandya, who played a major role in chasing down the target set by Pakistan. His exit would hurt India but the Men in Blue will try to keep in place the best combination possible. Another Sunday blockbuster is on the cards and fans across the world cannot wait for the contest to begin.

Here’s a look at India’s predicted XI against Pakistan

Openers- Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul

This year in the T20Is, Rohit Sharma game has been topsy-turvy. The "Hitman" has been able to get out to strong starts in certain games, but he hasn't been able to take advantage of the momentum. However, one must be conscious of the type of player he is in the format and that he is only one inning away from getting his rhythm back. He is currently the leading run scorer in T20Is.

KL Rahul has also been struggling to discover his mojo. After being dismissed for a golden duck in the game against Pakistan, he struggled to score runs against Hong Kong and managed to score some 30 off runs. He would be cautious in the upcoming game as he has not managed to perform well against Pakistan recently, and he would not want to repeat a similar mistake.

Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Dinesh Karthik (wk)

Virat Kohli looked in some fine touch while playing against Hing Kong in the recent game, and he played a decent knock against Pakistan as well. Coming back into the setup after a very long break, Kohli’s batting seemed like he was there to achieve something. The passion and the determination are the driving factors behind his good performance this season.

Suryakumar Yadav was on cloud nine after his knock against Hong Kong. He unleashed his powers on the field and carried India’s innings alongside Kohli. While Kohli was playing a composed knock, Yadav was on a boundary-hitting spree and his knock was studded with multiple fours and sixes. He would look to pull off a similar act against Pakistan now.

Dinesh Karthik has not received many chances with the bat. He came in only for the final over against Pakistan and did not get an opportunity to bat in the second game. But his glovework has been commendable. The wicketkeeper-batter has been tried and tested in recent times, and Team India might as well keep his place intact in the side.

All Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel

All eyes would be on Hardik Pandya, who was the star of the show against Pakistan. He stole the limelight in the first innings by picking up three wickets, and then again in the second innings by playing the match-winning knock. His confidence under pressure was lauded by one and all. He has set a benchmark for himself and would look to match the same.

Axar Patel had been kept in the squad as a reserve player before he made his way into the side as a replacement for an injured Ravindra Jadeja. To fill in Jadeja’s absence, Patel is the perfect match. India will have a spin-bowling all-rounder who will be handy with the bat in the middle order as well as in the lower order. Patel has been in good touch with the bat recently.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh

India’s bowling attack is unlikely to witness any major change. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been dominating, thanks to the massive experience he has in the format. He will be guiding India’s assault against Pakistan as well. Yuzvendra Chahal will be the other spinner apart from Axar Patel. All four bowlers have performed well in the tournament, and even though Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan proved costly in the game, they’ll be the reliable ones.

Just like in the previous contest against Pakistan, Indian bowlers will need to step up and the team can not rely upon just one or two. Avesh and Arshdeep have to prove their worth and put up a remarkable performance with the ball in order to retain their places in the side and for the future goal of the World Cup.