Asia Cup 2018: Dean Jones Welcomes BCCI's Decision to Rest Virat Kohli

Former Australian cricketer-turned-coach and broadcaster, Dean Jones is pleased with the decision of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to rest Virat Kohli for the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 starting from September 15 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Earlier, the selectors announced the 16-member squad on Saturday (Septemeber 1)

Meanwhile, Kohli has been playing regular cricket, and as a result, the selectors have decided to manage his workload.

The India skipper has been in tremendous form in the ongoing series against England. He is currently the highest run-scorer in the series with two centuries to his name apart from two half-centuries as well. He has given some time to take rest keeping in mind for the next tour in Australia later this year.

Jones thought India is not dependent on Kohli. He also wants the young boys to cash in on this grand opportunity.

“India is not a one-man team. No one’s going to replace Kohli, but I’ll tell you what, it is an unbelievable opportunity for Pandey, Ambati Rayudu, and these boys, and don’t forget M.S. Dhoni,” Jones said.

Furthermore, he is excited to see Team India under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. Adding it would give the youngsters a platform to boost up in the 14th edition of the Asia Cup 2018.

“I think it’s a great team led by Rohit Sharma, they got their bowlers right who can reverse swing and at the death, 25-30 overs will be bowled for the spinners. They got (Yuzvendra) Chahal, Kuldeep (Yadav) and Axar Patel bowling beautifully. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) and (Jasprit) Bumrah will bowl at the death, they got a very good balance,” he added.

The arch-rivals, India and Pakistan will square off against each other on September 19 at the Dubai International Stadium. In addition, this will be the first both nations will clash after India’s Champions Trophy loss last year in England.

Moreover, this will be an exciting encounter as Dean Jones is looking forward to it after BCCI selectors named the balanced squad.

“It is all about Blue for them (the Indian team) and trust me, when Green meets Blue, there will be excitement and fireworks,” he said.

“I am looking forward to him having a huge series. So, trust me or not, Kohli is not playing. But when Pakistan meets India, the world will be watching,” he added.

India will start their Asia Cup 2018 campaign on September 18 against the qualifying team from the Asia Cup 2018 Qualifiers.