Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts
 

Will MS Dhoni test Team India's bench strength in Asia cup?

New Delhi, Feb 22: As MS Dhoni-led Team India prepares for epic clash between neighbours in the Asia Cup T20, it will be interesting to see whether 'captain charismatic' utilises his team to its fullest or goes with the winning combination.

Asia Cup fixtures and squadsAsia Cup fixtures and squads

Team looks indomitable with 'in-form' Virat Kohli's return into the squad and two back to back series victories. But presence of tested players in the bench would only ease the pressure off skipper's head.

Will MS Dhoni test his bench strength?


Even skipper MS Dhoni has hinted that he would test his bench strength during the Asia Cup in Bangladesh to assure entire team is fit and every individual remains in touch. It means there shouldn't be any surpris if the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane and Pawan Negi feature in the Playing XI.

(Team India has ingredients to win Asia Cup, World T20: MS Dhoni)(Team India has ingredients to win Asia Cup, World T20: MS Dhoni)

"I have the belief that we have the talent required to win a big tournament. This team has all the ingredients but what will be important is to keep the team fit and try to give as many games to all the individuals who are part of the side," Dhoni said in his press conference before leaving for Bangladesh.

India beat a young Sri Lankan side 2-1 in recent series at home.

Test of bench strength is very important for the side like Team India, which is considered to be the top contendor for the ICC World T20, scheduled to be hosted in India.

Team India will be facing arch rivals like Sri Lanka, Pakistan not to forget an upbeat Bangladesh playing under home conditions, which shocked India time and again.

(In-form Virat Kohli joins Team India for Asia Cup T20 after rare break)(In-form Virat Kohli joins Team India for Asia Cup T20 after rare break)

Thus, Dhoni & Co. would be playing against some tough teams, winning against whom would only boost the confidence of the squad in the run up to World T20.

Pakistan has always been a challenge to India.

For Dhoni, it will be important to see how his bowlers, especially pacers, perform in the death overs. With no Mohammed Shami in the side, a lot would depend over able shoulders of Ashish Nehra and in-form Jasprit Bumrah.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya's performance with the bat as well as from the ball would be under deep scrutiny. The youngster has shown some early signs of being an asset hence it will be interesting to see how skipper utilises his potential.

Bangladesh has become a formidable side under home conditions.

Testing every available weapons in the arsenal is very crucial for a side like India. In case of an injury, team's winning momentum gets disturbed and in-form player in the bench will definitely provide some relief to the skipper as well as the team.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:29 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 3, 2017