Asia Cup 2018: Twitter Reacts as India Leaves Virat Kohli Out of the 16-Member Squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors have decided to rest regular India skipper Virat Kohli for the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting from September 15. However, the defending champions India announced the 16-member squad on Saturday (September 1).

Meanwhile, in the absence of Kohli, Rohit Sharma will lead the side while his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan will act as his deputy. In addition, the young left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has got his maiden Team India call-up after a string of good performance for the India A team.

Men in Blue 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. Moreover, the final of the Asia Cup 2018 will be held on September 28 at the Dubai International Stadium in UAE.

Also, the reigning champions India will look to continue their good run in this tournament and bring home the trophy once again.

Manish Pandey, Ambati Rayudu, and Kedar Jadhav have been recalled to the squad while Suresh Raina, Umesh Yadav, and Siddarth Kaul, who all featured in the squad for the England One-day International series, are among the ones to miss out.

Pandey (306 runs in four games) was the highest run-getter in the recently concluded quadrangular series.

Furthermore, pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who regained his fitness will slot back in the Asia Cup 2018 squad. But he featured in the last India A game – to prove his fitness and bowled with no problems.

Moreover, wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav will resume their spin duties with the change in the formats.

Additionally, Mayank Agarwal still waits for his debut call despite his rich vein of form during the past one year.

Also, here is how the Twitter reacted on the India squad for Asia Cup 2018 as Virat Kohli will not feature in the coveted event:

Taking the emotion aside @imVkohli being rested for the Asia cup is a fair call. He is clearly prioritising test cricket over White ball cricket and Asia cup is no world cup Pakistan notwithstanding.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) September 1, 2018

https://twitter.com/iTheRider1/status/1035795549264535553

Just let Kohli play the game against Pakistan and then let him rest

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) September 1, 2018

Bcci will ruin Mayank agarwal carrier ???what a waste of talent

— Nithish Billava ⚕️ (@nbillava1) September 1, 2018

https://twitter.com/BTecSoham/status/1035795688708235264

No @ImRaina for Asia cup ….??? we are feeling so sad….. @ImRaina pls come to India team… We all waiting world cup 2019….to see u there…
????

— Hariharasudhan Rajalingam (@officialSuDhA) September 1, 2018

Good to see kedar is back
But no raina ???

— Jitzmsdian03 (@jitzvijan03) September 1, 2018

https://twitter.com/iTheRider1/status/1035795466129170432

Where is virat kohli?? There will b no fun without kohli!!!

— Daniyal (@Daniyal43033779) September 1, 2018

We want @ImRaina in squad

— Arun RAINA (@arunAK1505) September 1, 2018

https://twitter.com/iShubham24/status/1035795971375017985

We Miss you @ImRaina ????
Sadness at its Peak

— Vimal Raina (@ImVimalRaina3) September 1, 2018

This is terrible
Virat must play
Such an important tournament
Why can't u rest him for wi tour.
And worst part is rohit is captain ?
Virat is needed if we have to thrash Pak
Now it won't be so easy
But let's hope we win it ??✌️

— Krishna (@krisbangalore95) September 1, 2018

Lol ! There's nothing for Kohli to achieve in limited overs . WI are playing tests with us next month and Kohli is aware no Indian has scored 7 200s in Test , So !

— Arjun Senthilkumar (@WathaaDei) September 1, 2018

Kohli rested for all important series against West Indies?

— Shubham (@_shubhxm) September 1, 2018

https://twitter.com/RohitWa32061725/status/1035796436741324800

https://twitter.com/imkrish2002/status/1035797700942462981

Virat is rested for very imp west indies series #patheticdecision

— Keshav (@Imkeshuk) September 1, 2018

Who will make Runs..if Virat is not there…??? Is this Asia Cup is fixed Already..?

Shame

— Pranavraaj (@Pranavraaj1) September 1, 2018