Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee has said that in absence of captain Virat Kohli, openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will be key batsmen for the Indian cricket team. Kohli was rested for the Asia Cup 2018, scheduled to start on September 15. With Kohli not playing, Rohit and Dhawan will be India’s best bet with the bat according to Lee. Asia Cup 2018: I Wish to Take All Ten Wickets Against India, Says Hasan Ali

“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. With Virat Kohli not playing, Rohit and Dhawan will be the two key men with the bat for India,” Lee said in a statement issued by the official broadcasters of the Asia Cup, Star Sports.

Lee also added that Kohli’s absence will be an opportunity for Rohit and Dhawan to step up their game. “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,” said Lee. Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan’s Fast Bowler Hasan Ali, As per Yo-Yo Test Score, Is Much Fitter Than Virat Kohli

“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,” he added.

India will open their Asia Cup 2018 campaign against Hong Kong on September 18 and take on Pakistan the next day on September 19.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2018 10:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).