XtraTime Web Desk: BCCI announced 16 men squad for the Asia Cup which is scheduled to start from September 15 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Regular skipper Virat Kohli is rested and in his absence India’s star opening batsman Rohit Sharma will lead the side. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is yet to play a single match in the ongoing Test series in England, was also included in the squad.
While India could face Pakistan thrice (if both teams are in final) in the tournament, the selectors are looking at the bigger picture – four Tests against Australia at the end of the year where Kohli would want to be in his prime.
The notable exclusions from the squad that played the last series against England include veteran Suresh Raina, middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer, seamer Siddarth Kaul and fast bowler Umesh Yadav.
Raina and Iyer have been replaced by Ambati Rayudu, who has now cleared the YoYo Test and all-rounder Kedar Jadhav, who has completely recovered from his hamstring surgery.
In the case of Kohli, chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said that the skipper’s workload management is paramount as he had issues with back injury in the earlier Tests in England this summer.
“Considering the workload, we have given him (Kohli) rest. He has been playing continuously for quite some time. He’s on the road from the IPL. So that is why looking at the workload we have given him rest,” Prasad said at a media conference.
The chairman said that all key players would be given rest and their workload closely monitored.
“I will like to tell that I have been there from the third test match (in England). We sat for a discussion regarding the workload management, so we need to preserve some of the precious players, who are playing in all three formats.
“Looking at that workload issue we have started with Virat and he will be rested for the Asia Cup,” he added.
Khaleel, a 20-year-old from Rajasthan’s Tonk has played 17 List A matches, taking 28 wickets at an economy rate of 4.74.
He is nippy with an ability to hustle the batsmen and Rahul Dravid has been mentoring him since the 2016 U-19 World Cup. He was with India A during the tour of England recently.
The selectors are desperate for some variety and after experiments with Jaydev Unadkat and Barinder Sran didn’t yield the desired results, they are now trying out Khaleel.
“Yes there are 2-3 slots that we are yet to finalise. One is a left handed seamer’s slot where we are looking at Khaleel.
“So for those spots we will be trying and we will look at these 24 matches. As we move closer towards World Cup, you guys will come to know.”
One of the heartbreaks could be opener Mayank Agarwal, who has scored more runs across formats than anybody in Indian domestic cricket and A team matches.
However, Prasad assured that his chance will come sooner than later.
“Mayank Agarwal has been fantastic and has been consistent in the last 10-12 months. He is just a step away and I am sure in due course of time he will get his recognition,” he said.
“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,” said BCCI Chief selector MSK Prasad.