Asia Cup 2022: Wasim Jaffer picks India XI for Pakistan clash

Former Test opener Wasim Jaffer has come forward and picked his playing XI for the blockbuster Asia Cup 2022 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, August 28. Both sides would be renewing their rivalry at the very same venue where the Men in Blue had suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss in the T20 World Cup fixture last October.

As Jaffer picked India’s playing XI, he only made one vital change and that in the middle order where India is spoiled for choices. The multiple-time Ranji Trophy-winning cricketer chose skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul as openers, while he picked batting megastar Virat Kohli at number three.

The middle order comprised Suryakumar Yadav, star all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, whereas his bowling lineup consisted of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal, and yorker specialist Arshdeep Singh. There was no mention of emerging pacer Avesh Khan and senior offie Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI. At the same time, Wasim Jaffer also added that should Rishabh Pant get a chance to bat, he must bat at number five.

My India XI vs Pakistan:

1. Rohit
2. KL
3. Virat
4. Sky
5. Hardik
6. DK / Pant*
7. Jadeja
8. Bhuvi
9. Bishnoi
10. Chahal
11. Arshdeep

*If Pant plays, he should bat at no.5.

What's yours?#INDvPAK #AsiaCup

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 27, 2022

India look to avenge their T20 World Cup humiliation

India will be looking at this contest as a payback for the 10-wicket drubbing against the arch-rivals where Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 152-run stand helped Pakistan break their 29-year-old World Cup jinx against the Men in Blue.

This is a great opportunity for India, especially the top-order, with Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi ruled out due to a knee injury and another pacer Mohammad Wasim ruled out due to a side strain sustained just a couple of days before the commencement of the tournament. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on a returning Virat Kohli as he desperately looks forward to regaining his lost mojo on the 22 yards having been out of action for over a month.

Kohli has an outstanding T20I and Asia Cup record against Pakistan and the Men in Green would be leaving no stone unturned to get rid of him at the earliest.