Asia Cup 2018: Brett Lee calls for Rohit-Dhawan combo to fire in the absence of Virat Kohli

Rohit is set to lead Indian team in Asia Cup after Virat was rested by the selectors.

Dhawan and Rohit are one of the top opening pairs in ODI cricket today | GETTY

With only a few days left for Asia Cup 2018 and the teams have already started to prepare for the tournament. India, who will be led by stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma in place of Virat Kohli, who has been rested after a long cricket tour of England.

India has been highly dependent on their top order in the limited overs cricket, and with Virat rested for the tournament, Indian opener Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan will have a task in hand.

Former Australian pacer Brett Lee thinks both the openers will come out good in the upcoming Asia Cup. Dhawan is India's vice-captain. 

“Two key batsmen for India in the Asia Cup – Shikhar Dhawan and secondly Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit will get the best out of himself and also the team because he has been given that extra bit of responsibility to lead the Indian side,” Lee was quoted as saying in a statement issued by official broadcasters Star Sports.

“With Virat Kohli not playing, Rohit and Dhawan will be the two key men with the bat for India,” he said.

Lee also discussed the weakness of Rohit. He is said to be struggling against the left-arm pacers. “The great Virat Kohli is being rested for the tournament, so that allows Shikhar and Rohit to be pushed up. There is a lot of talk about how Rohit can’t face left arm fast bowlers - with the swing and the ball going across him.

“But I don’t necessarily agree with that but what I can say is that in the UAE it will be a different style he will have to face. Yes, they will bring on the left-arm fast bowlers to target Rohit but I believe on the lower and slower wickets in UAE, Rohit will dominate. I believe the wicket will help him out,” said the 41-year-old.

For Dhawan, he needs some adjustment in his techniques to be on top in the upcoming Asia Cup. India will first face Hong Kong on September 18 and then Pakistan just the next day. 

“Dhawan has come in form during his bout in England but will have to adjust a few things in his techniques to ensure he will be playing on the surfaces that will be conducive to him,” he said.

“He has played on grounds all around India that are low and slow in recent years, and the tracks in UAE will suit him, allowing him to play through the line of the ball.”

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 07 Sep, 2018

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