Asia Cup 2018: Players to be rested depending on the workload and physio's report

The Indian selection panel is set to pick the Indian squad on Saturday for the upcoming Asia Cup which will commence on September 15. The Men in Blue literally have no time after returning from England and will straight away have to reach the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the Asian Giants will clash for the ultimate glory. But the all-format players are likely to be tired after the gruelling tour of the United Kingdom.

There is a possibility of the skipper Virat Kohli being rested for the tournament as he was troubled by his back during the second Test match against England at Lord’s. But the prospect of facing the arch-rivals Pakistan might tempt him to play. Along with him, even Hardik Pandya has been playing continuously and even he was hit on the finger at Lord’s in the second innings.

Depends on physio’s report

The players’ workload will be taken into account when the selection panel led by MSK Prasad will sit to select the squad. Everything will depend on the physio’s report as well according to the BCCI source. “We know that our players have been on the road for a long time, and need some rest. But who gets a break is a question that depends on the workload of an individual player, and the fitness reports of the physio,” he told while speaking to the Times of India.

In case, Virat Kohli is rested, then Rohit Sharma will take over the mantle from him to lead the side. Also, Vijay Shankar is the likeliest to replace Pandya. However, it remains to be seen if Shikhar Dhawan or KL Rahul is rested as they are also playing continuously. In that case, either of Prithvi Shaw or Mayank Agarwal may get their ODI call-ups. Manish Pandey looks set to make a comeback courtesy his scintillating form.

The million dollar question though would be the availability of the captain Kohli without whom Team India tend to struggle in the 50-overs format.

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