Indian squad sans Virat Kohli would be a different side altogether as they begin their Asia Cup 2018 campaign in the coming weeks. Not that it is a one-man team, but the fact that he has carried the Indian team single-handedly out of trouble for a long time can’t be denied. In his absence, Rohit Sharma will lead the side, with Shikhar Dhawan as his deputy.

As BCCI announced India’s squad for Asia Cup 2018, last week, the absence of Virat Kohli was astounding. Kedar Jadhav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar marked their comeback after a spate of injuries. Manish Pandey and Axar Patel cut; Dinesh Karthik was picked up as the secondary wicket-keeper, and Ambati Rayudu could finally make it to the Indian team.

A surprise inclusion of young-pacer Khaleel Ahmed, ahead of Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari, raised many eyebrows. However, will he be able to debut in the series is too early to predict.

India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2018: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan (vc), Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ambati Rayudu, Shardul Thakur, and Kuldeep Yadav.

The Indian team comprises a proper mix of experienced and young players in the side. A lot of senior players will have to step up if India doesn’t want to face a shock exit at the multi-nation tournament. We take a look at the key players of the Indian team, who would need to bring their A-game on the field to bolster India’s chances to win their 6th Asia Cup title.

1. Shikhar Dhawan

The dashing left-hand batsman would be itching to get back amongst runs, again. After a successful tour in South Africa, earlier this year, Shikhar Dhawan failed to replicate his ODI form against England, last month.

File Photo | Shikhar Dhawan | (Photo Credits: Indian Cricket Team/Facebook)

However, it is a known fact that Dhawan is a different player altogether when it comes to playing in Blues. With the elevation to the post of vice-captain, he would surely be one of the key players in the Indian camp to watch out for at Asia Cup.

2. Rohit Sharma

The stand-in captain would be looking forward to delivering on the expectations pinned on him. Rohit Sharma scored a century in the first ODI in England and another one in the third T20I against the same opposition.

File Image | Rohit Sharma | (Photo Credits: Twitter @BCCI)

Not to forget, out of his three double-hundreds, two of them have come against Sri Lanka – another top contender for Asia Cup 2018. With an added responsibility as the captain of the Indian team, Rohit would be looking to prove his mettle during this Asia Cup.

3. Jasprit Bumrah

His ‘slinga-Malinga’ inspired bowling action has baffled the opposition teams for quite a time now. India’s bowling fortunes in England turned around when Jasprit Bumrah was drafted in the playing XI.

File Image | Jasprit Bumrah | (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

Returning from a back injury, Bumrah would be looking to aid Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the bowling department. His raw-pace and death-bowling skills will play a key role for India at the Asia Cup.

4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Arguably the best bowler in recent times for India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar would be looking to make a mark after returning from a freak injury. The fast-bowler has spear-headed India’s bowling attack for quite a long time, now.

File Image | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

Bhuvneshwar would not be looking to contribute with his lethal swing bowling only, but also with lethal swings during his batting in India’s quest for Asia Cup 2018.

5. MS Dhoni

The most experienced player in the Indian line-up, MS Dhoni will have to sail in a lot of boats together to see the Indian camp cross the finishing line at Asia Cup 2018. In Kohli’s absence, he will be the vital cog in India’s batting unit.

File Image | MS Dhoni | (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

Also, his rich experience will be more than a help in crucial situations during the tournament. If India wants to lay their hands on the winners’ trophy, the old warhorse, Dhoni, will have to bring his best at Asia Cup.

Will India be able to win the ODI tournament in UAE is too early to tell; however, if they want to win it, a lot would depend on how the key players – Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and MS Dhoni – perform.

India will begin their Asia Cup opener against a qualifying team (yet to be decided) on September 18. However, fans would be eagerly waiting for their clash against Pakistan which is scheduled to take place, the next day, i.e. on September 19. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about Asia Cup 2018!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2018 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).