Hong Kong opt to bowl; India hand debut to Khaleel, play Rayudu, Karthik in middle-order

Asia Cup India vs Hong Kong: Hong Kong won the toss and invited India to bat, who are playing their first match in the Asia Cup at the Dubai International on Tuesday. 

Hong Kong won the toss and invited India to bat, who are playing their first match in the Asia Cup at the Dubai International on Tuesday. 

The answers to tons of questions about India's middle-order were found at toss-time when India decided to include Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik and Kedar Jadhav in the playing XI. Rayudu will take the No. 3 spot in Kohli's absence while the much talked about No. 4 position will be taken by Dinesh Karthik.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma sounded confident about the new-look middle order of India.

"Asia Cup has a long history over the years and it's a competitive tournament. You got to put your best foot forward. A lot of guys are playing for the first time. It's exciting for them and me as well. It has been one of the concerns over the years. Our batting has dominated but our bowling has come a long way in recent times. I am quite excited with our middle order and it's a challenge for all of us to bat in such conditions," said Rohit.

Rajasthan left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed was handed his ODI cap, who will complete India's pace attack along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shardul Thakur. It is understood that Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been rested after their workload in the five-match Test series against England. 

Hong Kong captain Anshuman Rath, on the other hand, spoke about the change of plans after their crushing defeat against Pakistan the other night.

"We want to get out there as bowling is our strength. I think the way we batted against Pakistan, we want to rectify that. Bowling is our strength and we'll look to go out there with a smile. There's a bit of grass so chasing is easier under the lights," Hong Kong Anshuman Rath.

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed

Hong Kong (Playing XI): Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath(c), Babar Hayat, Christopher Carter, Kinchit Shah, Ehsan Khan, Aizaz Khan, Scott McKechnie(w), Tanwir Afzal, Ehsan Nawaz, Nadeem Ahmed