Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee has backed Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan to come all guns blazing in the upcoming Asia Cup 2018. Lee, 41, said that the two opening batsmen will hold the key figure for India in the absence of Virat Kohli, who was rested for the Asia Cup. Rohit Sharma will lead the team in his absence while Shikhar Dhawan will be his deputy. Also read: 2 reasons why India may not win the Asia Cup 2018
What Lee said
“Two key batsmen for India in the Asia Cup Shikhar Dhawan and secondly Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit will get the best out of himself and also the team because he has been given that extra bit of responsibility to lead the Indian side,” Lee was quoted as saying in a statement issued by official broadcasters Star Sports
“With Virat Kohli not playing, Rohit and Dhawan will be the two key men with the bat for India,” he added.
Lee feels Rohit Sharma will be lethal on the slower wickets of United Arab Emirates.
“The great Virat Kohli is being rested for the tournament, so that allows Shikhar and Rohit to be pushed up. There is a lot of talk about how Rohit can’t face left arm fast bowlers – with the swing and the ball going across him,” said the 41-year-old.
“But I don’t necessary agree with that but what I can say is that in the UAE it will be a different style he will have to face. Yes, they will bring on the left-arm fast bowlers to target Rohit but I believe on the lower and slower wickets in UAE, Rohit will dominate. I believe the wicket will help him out.”
Dhawan should make some technical adaptations- Lee
“Dhawan has come in form during his bout in England but will have to adjust a few things in his techniques to ensure he will be playing on the surfaces that will be conducive to him,” he said.
“He has played on grounds all around India that are low and slow in recent years, and the tracks in UAE will suit him, allowing him to play through the line of the ball.
The Asia Cup 2018 starts 15th September with Sri Lanka taking on Bangladesh in the tournament opener. India will play Hong Kong in their opening clash on 18th September followed by the high intensity match with Pakistan on the very next day.
