India's predicted second-string playing XI for the Asia Cup

The English Test team toured India with high hopes that they would qualify for the World Test Championship final. But, as multiple analysts had predicted, India thrashed England. It was such a one-sided series that the critics pointed out the fact that the pitch never helped the Englishmen. However, Ravi Ashwin and Rohit Sharma showed that it was just a mindset that was not right for the English side. 

After a comfortable 3-1 victory, Team India is looking to clinch the inaugural World Test Championship trophy. And they should have adequate rest and given the fact that the next edition of the IPL is knocking on the doors, it is quite hectic for the players. Even after knowing the fact that the Asia Cup might be shifted, the BCCI is looking forward to sending a second-string squad. This is a great opportunity for the youngsters to shine on the stage.

India’s supremacy in world cricket can be measured by the fact that the organizers were looking to postpone the tournament because India has qualified for the WTC finals. But, the BCCI must cash in this opportunity to give some youngsters a chance to play on the international stage. Adding on, it will provide the perfect opportunity for someone like Shikhar Dhawan, who is representing India primarily in ODIs and T20Is, to have a go at the highest level.

Here is the list of India’s predicted second-string playing XI for the Asia Cup:

1. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan came into the spotlight after his historic Test match century on debut against the Australians. He became a household name thereafter as he helped India to get off to quick starts during the Champions Trophy in 2013. And, as Rohit Sharma grew as an opener, Team India had its formidable opening pair in the form of Dhawan and Sharma. 

Although Dhawan failed to make it to the playing eleven consistently, he ensured that he was a regular member of the ODI and T20I squad. Adding on, the left-right combination helps him to unsettle the bowler. Dhawan depends on the orthodox shots to ensure that he collects runs for his team, and that is his specialty. An experience of 176 IPL games and 63 T20Is will help Team India in case of any collapse. 

Of the 63 T20Is he has played, Dhawan has scored 1669 runs. A strike rate of 128.29 is manageable for an opener in the shortest format of the game. Apart from that, he is the only batsman in the history of the IPL to score two consecutive centuries. When he is in form, Dhawan is a treat to watch. Then, it is almost certain that he is the opener in this list.