Asia Cup 2018: Considering the Workload we have Given Virat Kohli Rest - MSK Prasad

The chief of the selection MSK Prasad has revealed that they gave regular India skipper Virat Kohli a miss from the Asia Cup 2018 squad to manage his workload.

Meanwhile, India will start their campaign on September 18 against the qualifying team. Furthermore, on the very next day, they will square off against their arch-rivals Pakistan. The final of the Asia Cup 2018 will be on September 28 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Rohit Sharma will lead the side in place of Virat Kohli while his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan will act as his deputy. However, MSK Prasad has admitted that they want to manage the workload of the India skipper.

Kohli has been playing cricket continuously and this is a welcome move with important series coming ahead.

“Considering the workload we have given Virat Kohli rest. He has been playing continuously for quite some time. We need to preserve some of our precious players who are playing all 3 formats, looking at that workload we have started with Virat & he will be rested for Asia Cup,” MSK Prasad said after the announcement.

India, however, has brought in young left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed for the Asia Cup 2018.

The tall and lanky pacer has done well consistently for the India A side in recent tours. Speaking on his selection, Prasad noted that they are still looking at the possible options ahead of the World Cup next year.

“There are two, three slots we are yet to see before we fix the final team for the World Cup and one of the slots is a seamer slot which is available. We are looking at a left-hander option in Khaleel Ahmed,” MSK Prasad added.

Furthermore, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, and Amabati Rayudu have slotted back into the 16-member India squad. Unfortunately, Mayank Agarwal misses out once again despite showing good form with the bat.