Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must take more middle-order responsibilities, says Wasim Akram.

It's all set for an exciting Asia Cup final and both India and Sri Lanka deserve to be in the title round. Tuesday's dress rehearsal was one-sided for sure, but it was an exceptional day for hat-trick man Farveez Maharoof.

Sri Lanka have looked the best team in the league stage. The home team has profited from some talented youngsters and the seniors have played their roles to perfection. The Lankans have been in control in all the games and when you hold your catches, the confidence level multiplies many times.

Just everything has gone right for Lanka so far, but Thursday is going to be a different day and a wise man like Sangakkara will know that. I like his level-headed attitude and that is what keeps his team firmly rooted to the ground.

India, by virtue of their talent and depth in team, will always be the side to beat. But yes, they have made a few errors in the league stage and I am sure, Gary Kirsten would have pointed these out after Tuesday's heavy defeat.

For starters, India must bat their full 50 overs and avail the last power play. Only this will enable them to dream of winning the Asia Cup. Sans Virender Sehwag, India are almost at full strength and there is no reason why Dhoni's boys can't play to their full potential.

Dhoni has been the cool leader that he is but I think the No. 6 batting slot suits him best. The kind of grafter that Dhoni is, the Indian skipper can shift gears at will and either No. 5 or No. 6 is best for him. I don't see Dhoni batting at No. 4 in the final.

That means the middle order responsibilities will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both these boys have massive talent but according to me, they are yet to exploit their full potential. I get a feeling that both boys are still in their T20 mould and the sooner they get out of this, the better.

Brilliant fielders, Kohli and Sharma have age on their side and it is time that they establish themselves as the future of Indian cricket. For this they must bat 40 overs in a ODI and play long innings in Test matches. Otherwise, they will remain like comets in India's cricket folklore.

The Dambulla wicket has been dicey. The ball has spun and often kept low. It has not been easy to strike the ball on the up and hence I can't see a tall-scoring final. A total of 260 will be very challenging and the toss will be key. Man-to-man the teams are evenly poised and hence this should turn out to be a classic finish.

(Former Pakistan Test skipper Wasim Akram is an ESPN-STAR Sports expert) 

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