Four Players Who Could Suffer If Rohit Sharma Dons Captain's Hat At Asia Cup 2020

Team India won the Asia Cup in 2018, under the leadership of stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma, as Virat Kohli was rested for the tournament. With so much of cricket lined-up later this year, and the T20I World Cup 2020 at stake as well, Kohli could well be rested once again at the Asia Cup, so that he remains fit as a fiddle for the World Cup.

Under these circumstances, Rohit Sharma is likely to don the captain’s hat yet again, as he is the vice-captain of the Indian team.

A couple of days ago, we did a write-up regarding five players who could play at the Asia Cup 2020 if Rohit is named as skipper.

And, to follow it up, today, we have a list of four players who are likely to have difficulties if indeed the 32-year-old leads India against its neighbours.

Here are four players who could suffer if Rohit Sharma dons the captain’s hat at Asia Cup 2020:

4) Prithvi Shaw

The injury to Shikhar Dhawan opened up Team India’s gates for Prithivi Shaw in the recently concluded ODI and Test series versus New Zealand.

Moreover, the 20-year-old was also included in the squad for ODIs against South Africa.

Now, by the time Asia Cup 2020 comes around, Shikhar is expected to find his form, having already returned to full fitness.

Moreover, Rohit Sharma himself will make a return from the hamstring injury he suffered against the Kiwis, so Shaw is likely to warm the bench if India’s experienced opening duo returns to full fitness by then.

Also, the former India U19 skipper did not have a really impressive tour of New Zealand. Much was expected from him in the ODI series versus the Proteas, but due to coronavirus, it had to been suspended.

3) Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is already struggling to break into the playing XI, despite the injuries to Shikhar and Rohit, so his place in India’s squad at the Asia Cup 2020 looks under threat.

Having already suffered against New Zealand, Gill was included in the ODI squad for South Africa’s tour of India, but as fate would have it, the series got suspended and it is likely to be a body blow for the youngster from Punjab.

Furthermore, if Rohit Sharma dons the captain’s hat, he is likely to include his Mumbai Indians (MI) teammate Suryakumar Yadav in the Indian lineup.

Yadav has been in a decent run of form and could be in-line to make his much-awaited debut in national colours. If this happens, Gill will be the player to suffer the most from Yadav’s inclusion.

Moreover, such a move could also hamper the chances of Prithvi Shaw as well.

2) Rishabh Pant

The player who was once heralded as the successor to MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant’s downfall has been expected to say, the least.

Having lost his place in the limited-overs format, Pant will face an uphill task to break into the playing XI yet again. His loss was KL Rahul’s gain though, and the Karnataka batsman was in scintillating form against New Zealand as well.

The Indian management will back KL Rahul as wicket-keeper batsman, which would further limit opportunities for Pant.

The 22-year-old did manage to find some playing time under Virat Kohli in the Test series, however, Rohit Sharma will not make such exceptions, if he dons the captain’s hat at the Asia Cup 2020.

1) Kuldeep Yadav

Since the last season of Indian Premier League (IPL), Kuldeep Yadav has failed to find his groove.

The 25-year-old has been unable to perform as per expectations, and this could hamper his chances of playing at the Asia Cup 2020.

Team India will take to the field with two spinners, and they could be Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja. Chahal is a close friend of Rohit Sharma and is experiencing a good run of form.

Jadeja meanwhile, due to his all-round abilities could get the nod ahead of Kuldeep, if the latter doesn’t improve his displays.

The upcoming IPL season will be very crucial for the off-spinner from Uttar Pradesh, as it will be a make or break situation.