Watch: MS Dhoni, Shoaib Malik share light moments during practice session

The two veterans were seen shaking hands and having a friendly chat during the practice sessions on Friday in Dubai. When Dhoni had arrived at practice, Shoaib was seen walking over into the Indian camp and warmly greeting Dhoni.

The Indian team will be led by Rohit Sharma in the absence of Virat Kohli. The nine men squad will be joined by the remaining members of the Indian team after they recover from a two-day break as they just finished the Test series in England.

.@realshoaibmalik came over to meet @msdhoni during practice ahead of the #AsiaCup2018.

What do you think they were talking about? #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/UDYHTp2svx

— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) September 14, 2018

The Team

During the practice sessions the likes of Dhoni, Kuldeep Yadav, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kedar Jadhav, and captain Rohit were seen. The team is currently getting accustomed to the conditions they will face in Dubai.

The boys are back in action. Time for the #AsiaCup to get underway here in Dubai. Snapshots from #TeamIndia's practice session on Day 1 pic.twitter.com/alrBbzdaAb

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 14, 2018

India will be starting off against Hong Kong on September 18 then facing their arch-rivals, Pakistan the very next day.

Also read: Playing against Pakistan exciting, says Rohit Sharma

Dhoni and Malik

Dhoni will be very important for India not only because of his experience but also his batting as Virat will be absent from this tournament. In the past few years, many people have criticized Dhoni’s batting and strike rate. This will be his chance to prove them wrong and also gear up for the World Cup next year.

The six captains and the Asia Cup trophy! Who's going to get their hands on it on 28 September? ?#AsiaCup2018 #ShotOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/G9Bdh2lgEh

— ICC (@ICC) September 14, 2018

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman called Shoaib Malik the real threat to India when the two teams play. Malik does have an impressive record when playing against India. He has scored 1661 runs in 39 matches and has an impressive average of 47.45. While playing against India Malik has also scored four centuries.