The BCCI announced the Indian squad for Asia Cup 2018, on Saturday. There was no mention of Virat Kohli, and that’s what surprised many. The reason that was given by the BCCI official was that the Indian captain had been rested. In his absence, Rohit Sharma will lead the side, while Shikhar Dhawan will be his deputy.

Whether the decision to rest Kohli during the important multi-nation tournament is correct or not, is for time to tell; however, the Indian team (and the fans in particular) would surely miss his presence in the group, both on and off the field.

With India scheduled to begin their campaign in a week’s time, we take a look at reasons why would India miss skipper Virat Kohli in the forthcoming Asia Cup.

1. The Backbone of Indian Batting

File Photo | Virat Kohli | Captain of Indian Cricket Team

There cannot be a second thought to the fact that Virat Kohli has been the backbone of Indian batting line-up for quite a long time. The ‘master of run-chase’ has often delivered when the team around him has failed to pick themselves up.

Missing out on an exceptional batting talent like him might cost India dearly. Not to forget, the kind of form that he is in, India is undoubtedly going to miss out on Kohli’s truckload of runs in Asia Cup!

2. Captaincy Skills

File Photo | Virat Kohli | Yuzvendra Chahal | (Photo Credits: ICC/Twitter)

When it comes to the shorter format of the game, Virat Kohli seems to a different captain altogether. His bowling changes and field placements during the play are quite exceptional and have often reaped rich dividends for the Indian team.

His experience and ability to soak in pressure during crunch situations would surely be missed at Asia Cup. One of the most successful limited-overs captains, Kohli has lead Indian team to many inadvertent victories.

3. A Good Fielder

File Photo | Virat Kohli | (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

India would be surely missing out on one of their best fielders when they take the field at Asia Cup. Known for his acrobatic and agile fielding, Kohli’s absence might not hurt India, but the difference would inevitably be seen on the field.

4. The Morale Booster

File Photo | Virat Kohli | Kuldeep Yadav (Photo Credits: Twitter)

Often in critical situations, when the Indian team have looked down and out on the ground, Kohli has led from the front. He has infused enthusiasm in the team and always been on the forefront to motivate and back his players. How much will morale Rohit Sharma will elevate is for time to tell!

5. Chemistry with MS Dhoni

File Photo | MS Dhoni | Virat Kohli | (Photo Credits: PTI)

It is not a hidden fact that how much Kohli looks up to MS Dhoni for guidance, both on and off the field. The chemistry between the two, cannot be described. Be it while batting, or making crucial changes while bowling, Kohli has always sought Dhoni’s advice. Not to forget that the Indian fans call the Decision Review System (DRS), as Dhoni Review System for a reason!

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.

India will play its first Asia Cup 2018 match on September 18, against a qualifying team (which haven’t been announced yet). However, the fans will be eagerly waiting for India vs Pakistan match on September 19.

How much will Virat Kohli’s absence hurt India or not, cannot be predicted just yet; however, the Men in Blue is undoubtedly going to miss their captain’s availability!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2018 07:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).