Despite valour efforts, India suffered a 4-1 defeat against England in the recently concluded Specsavers test series which ended in Oval.
After the gruelling series, India will now travel to United Arab Emirates to defend their Asian champion crown against the best of the continent. Rohit Sharma will lead the squad in the absence of Virat Kohli, which may be a big concern for India, going into the tournament with a un-tested middle order.
The non-selection of Kohli created alot of buzz and fans criticized the selectors for not selecting Indian skipper in the all important tournament where India will face the likes of Pakistan.
India’s chief coach MSK Prasad have stepped forward and explained the reason of resting Kohli for Asia Cup 2018.
We have rested him to ease the burden of playing continuous cricket- Prasad
“Considering the workload, we have given him (Kohli) rest. He has been playing continuously for quite some time. He’s on the road from the IPL. So that is why looking at the workload we have given him rest,” MSK Prasad told Hindustan Times
“I will like to tell that I have been there from the third test match (in England). We sat for a discussion regarding the workload management, so we need to preserve some of the precious players, who are playing in all three formats. Looking at that workload issue we have started with Virat and he will be rested for the Asia Cup,” he added.
Virat, 29, had been in tremendous form in the recently concluded test series. He was the highest run-getter in the series with 593 runs in 10 innings that could have changed the fortune of India, if one or two player have partnered him in the quest for victory.
India will start their campaign in Asia Cup against minnows Hong Kong on September 18 at 17:00 IST in Dubai.
