Playing XI and Dubai heat main concerns for India ahead of 'Mini Pakistan' match

Team India is not even thinking about the big-ticket clash against Pakistan. Instead, they are more intent in tackling 'Little Pakistan' with minimum fuss.

Dubai: Team India is not even thinking about the big-ticket clash against Pakistan. Instead, they are more intent in tackling 'Little Pakistan' with minimum fuss.

11 out of the 15-member squad of Hong Kong, India’s opponent in their Asia Cup opener on Tuesday, are from Pakistani origin and 7 of them made it to the playing XI in their last game against Pakistan, which Pakistan won by 8 wickets. Despite Hong Kong's below-par show against Pakistan, with only two matches in the group stage, rest assured, India is not taking Hong Kong lightly, who recently lost its ODI status but did beat hosts UAE twice to earn rights of playing in the Asia Cup main draw.

Ahead of their Asia Cup opener, Team India, however, has a few questions of its own before throwing attention to their little-known opponents. One of the main concerns for India is their playing XI --- should they risk their best XI on two consecutive days in this heat to help prepare for white ball cricket or test their bench in the first game and come out with maximum intensity in the big game against Pakistan is something that the team management has to take a call on. 

Another worry is the slow nature of pitches on offer apart from who will fill the coveted No.4 position with Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayadu and Manish Pandey in contention for that slot. KL Rahul looks certain to take captain Virat Kohli's position at No. 3.

And there is the external factor of the unforgivable Dubai heat. India had its first full practice session with head coach Ravi Shastri overseeing the proceedings at 2 pm local time. Six members who came directly from a cool 20-degree England took turns first to adapt to the 42 degrees Dubai heat. Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul were the first to hit the nets along with Dinesh Karthik and Shardul Thakur while Jasprit Bumrah first practised his Yorkers on single wicket before briefly settling into his line and length. 

Although teams winning the toss here prefers to bat first, India may just want to test their batters under lights, given that teams have struggled.