India vs UAE, Match 9, Asia Cup 2016: Chance for Pawan Negi to make debut in dead rubber

Mirpur: The MS Dhoni-led Indian cricket team has performed brilliantly in the ongoing Asia Cup.

The Men in Blue, who won two back-to-back T20I series against Australia and Sri Lanka recently, are unbeaten in the tournament so far with three consecutive wins against Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Having already reached the final, Dhoni would contemplate giving a chance to other players in the dead rubber match against United Arab Emirates.

It could be a huge day for Pawan Negi, who was the surprise inclusion in India's 15-man Asia Cup and ICC World Twenty20 squad, to make an impact. The left-hander, who did well for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 8, could be handed over his international cap.

Harbhajan Singh is yet to play a match in the tournament and the team management could also contemplate resting one of their spinners.

Ashish Nehra could also be replaced with Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan not being fully fit, opening with Ajinkya Rahane and Parthiv Patel might also not be a bad idea.

In fact, Patel can also replace Dhoni for the inconsequential match.

It remains to be seen whether the team's think tank will want to make so many changes or would make just a few to keep the momentum going.